The Heat's On

I'm excited that my running seems to be getting a little better. Not sure if I'm getting use to the humidity and heat or if I'm beginning to getting more "mind over matter" minded. At least, I can say the last week, I've felt better. It's hard to get out and make yourself do something you dread...I say "dread" because it's hard to get excited about walking into a wall of heat knowing that you'll soon be on the road running, gasping for air and your legs fighting you the entire way.

Today was a good one. We set out to go run a little later than we usually do cause we're tired of getting up so blame early...hoping that I wouldn't die of a heat stroke...but as it turned out I believe we timed it perfectly. It just didn't seem to be as bad as usual. Maybe getting up at 4:45 in the morning isn't the answer. We were on the road running about 6:30-almost 30 minutes later-and it didn't feel bad at all. The air was cool and I think the sun was burning off the humidity as it came up.

Got in a good run of 5 miles today. It was the longest I'd done in quite some time. Now, isn't that just pathetic!! I LOVE long runs and I've not seen a single one since early spring. And, today's run was solid without a single bit of walking. Can you believe I'm excited about that?? I remember not long ago a 5-miler was a base run with an average of 10+ miles for my long one every week. Well, maybe I'm in a step in the right direction now. We'll see.

My swimming is getting better. At least, I'm feeling stronger and going further every week. This is exciting to me and I'm looking forward to longer swims. Already this week, I've swam the longest to date...1,000 yards/meters.

This week, I'm making better decisions in eating better, as well as working out. A plan definitely needs to be in order. I'm anxious to shed these extra pounds I've been carrying for some time. Can we say "lazy"??? Or lack of commitment and stick-with-it-tiveness?? I know that's not a word but I venture to bet that you understand what I'm saying. I'm looking forward to better running days soon. Good luck to all of you out there fighting the heat and humidity, especially if you're a winter runner, and hope to see you soon at an upcoming race.

Finally...And TWO Surprises To Boot

It's here...a race I had wanted to do again since last year's race. I've finally gotten to the point that I was somewhat able to race. Not my best as I've gained weight...much more than I care to admit; but it's the truth. I'd about come to the conclusion that my good racing times have come and gone. Starting my running career after 50, I'd wondered if it was now all downhill...could it be?? It just haunted me. But somewhere inside I just couldn't give up. I drool over my running magazines as though it was offering me a piece to a puzzle that I am ALMOST about to finish to win $100,000.00 or something. I just can hardly put them down. As a matter of fact, I began "thinking" about doing another marathon this winter. Could I?? Why can't I? I'll work slow and build again.

In the last couple of weeks, I made myself go outside to run some instead of staying on the treadmill as I had in years past. I know...a lot of my racing friends are probably gasping!!! Forbid...the treadmill. But those that don't suffer with allergies really don't understand. It's not always a choice. When the attacks come, it puts a halt to a lot of things in many ways. For me, my breathing is just not right. Constant sinus draining affecting the rhythym of your body as it moves, coughs, extra swallowing and many nights with little to no sleep... well, all-in-all your body is just plain worn down because there's no energy left for extra exertion. You don't know how blessed you are to not suffer with them. The bad thing: this has been going on since the end of February!! They'd get better, then worse, and the cycle continued over and over and over again.

After a period of ups and downs, I found myself constantly struggling to maintain any sort of consistency...I mean ANY kind of positiveness. Slowly, I found myself sinking into despair in being able to race much any more. My head fought "NO", but my body wasn't working like I knew it could. Don't get me wrong, I'm healthy, but allergies and those sort of things are taken for granted sooo much.

We had hope to run in the Wesson Memorial 2-mile race since it was only 2 miles. It was also a certified course and I hoped to set a new State Record. We got there and signed in, as usual. The first boost of energy came when I was handed the #1 bib. Number 1!!! This will never happen again. No, I didn't expect to win the thing, but I always thought that bib was left to those that were "expected" to win or to elite runners. Quickly, I got it from his hands knowing if he had wanted it back that would he would have a fight on his hands...that #1 was mine now, ha!

It was pretty humid but the sun seem to hide behind the clouds...yay! From a non-sweat-er, I was pouring the wet stuff while just standing in line to start. It was gonna be tough but I was settled into doing the best I could and be happy with that. It appeared many more had shown up than last year. As a matter of fact, the race was delayed until everyone finished registering. I was getting antzy (is THAT how you spell that?...I bet you know what I mean though)...okay let's get this thing going before the sun comes out from the clouds and heats up this place.

We both did the best we could...no injuries to contend with and a burst of "endorphined" energy emerged. Off we went. I knew I would start out too fast as I always do. But I felt good and went with it. The course was hillier than I had remembered. You don't understand hills, until you have NONE to run and then you face them in races. It was a good race. Then something that I'd never faced before...a bottleneck at the Finish Line...what??? This was crazy! I knew Kent was going to have a surprise when he got there because the racewalkers and slower runners were all in the rear. Thankfully, there was someone that was clocking everyone as they came in.

The time came for awards. It was announced that the number of participants this year almost doubled from last year. Wow!! What a success for GCRC! Kent received 2nd Place Overall Male Racewalker and received a beautiful handmade award. I loved it! I'm so proud of him!


Then a long time passed...this happens when you get older cause we're usually at the end...my age group was announced. But my name was not called...at all. The ladies that went up I knew I had beat. They were not in front of me as far as I could remember. My confidence was thrown on the ground, stomped on and smashed to pieces. I don't mind losing out to those that are stronger than me but I was so confused. Had I gotten that bad??? Afterward, I asked if I could tell what place I had come in and it was said that the times would be posted online later. I left...with my head dragging...I really could not believe those ladies were ahead of me. This was a tough day for me. I left with my #1 Bib in hand proudly. That was one thing that was MINE. I must work harder...starting with being serious about my eating. But that would have to start after the 15th. There were several things about to happen that would take precidence in the eating arena. But I will get things back in order by the end of the month. My dear readers, I need you...help me be accountable here!!

A couple of days later, I checked the race results and as it turned out, I won First Place in my age group!! I have never felt so relieved. Here are the results. Now, I'll not be so hard on myself. Kent took my picture in my #1 Bib holding his award as they were all the same with a medal tag on the back. Thanks, honey!


Here is a close-up of the award. Isn't it cool?


A few days later, I saw that I had set a State Record for my age, even cutting my time 3 seconds from last year!!! See here. I really needed all of this.

Thanks, Leonard, for a great job in all you do. It was tough this year. I know it was terribly hard for you that day, as well as those that helped you. Kent & I greatly appreciate it. It was so good to see friends we'd not seen in a while. We ran up with Tommy P. before the race; saw that Bob C. ran; Jennifer and Ray H. won awards; and saw that beautiful little Sophia (Bill G's granddaughter). She's gonna be a knock-out!

It turned out to be a really good day though I forgot my camera...UGH!! I couldn't believe I had beat my time last year in as poor a shape as I am in, that I attained a new State Record and that it was the best run I had done in months! Hope is returning. I'll take what I can when running...safely...and look forward to good races when it turns cooler. So glad there is one thing left to do...and that is to

Run 4 It

Ups & Downs

I've about had my fill of this crud I've entertained since spring this year. Yes...spring!!! I've missed races I have so looked forward to doing but had to cancel. I thought I was over this stuff late spring but with an out-of-town visit my allegies came back fiercely accompanied by the dratted cough. [Long story, no comment.] Hoping I could handle it, this stuff showed me who was boss...not me! I'd get better for a few days, then down, really down, for 4; worked back up for a week, then down again. It was just a horrible see-saw of back and forth. I felt like I was in an eternal Twilight Zone episode. Finally, a visit to my allergist [the best in the world] was the only choice I could see. Last Friday with no more left in me to fight, I went back to him and with a Cortisone shot and oral medication I can honestly say I feel like I'm on the mend again. He has me on strong antibiotics for 20 days and I certainly hope by then that I will be up and going strong again.

There were days I should have made myself do something in the exercise realm but was just so tired from lack of sleep that I didn't push it and stayed on the couch. With all the sinus issues I was experiencing, there has been very little sleep. As a matter of fact, I'd had so little sleep and difficulty taking in deep breaths without gut-wrenching coughs, I was totally miserable and wore out...totally.

But...I will say, that "generally" I've been hanging on exercise wise. On my "up" days, I'd try to get in a walk or slow run on the treadmill. I know most do not like tms, but I am thankful that we own one. After getting some relief from the meds, I'm starting to work my way back up. It's slow but I'm determined.

Yesterday, I ran outside for the first time in a while. My run was just to see if I could run 1.5 miles without having to stop and cough my head off. I felt good when we got to the Sportsplex. So with no time or pace in mind, I felt free to run as much as I could as long as I wasn't having problems. After all, I did not want to relapse and cause me to take 3 steps back...again! When it was finished, I actually had a better pace than I have in over a month and without any effort. Guess those tm runs and walks have been helping.

After my run, I got in a short swim. It was the hardest. Trying to keep a breath deep enough in my lungs was quite a challenge. But I slowly worked through it and am glad I did. Needless to say, I was totally wore out afterward. When I got home, that wonderful, soft couch called my name and I succombed to one of the most restful sleep times I've had in a while. So for now, I'm working slowly but truly on my running and stamina again. I'm thankful that I am healthy regardless of the little pitfalls I encounter along the way. And, am thankful that these little times do not present themselves but every few years.

Keep up the good work, my summer friends!! It is tough out there. These 100 degree days are nothing to turn your nose up at. Stay hydrated, run slow and build your strength. I will see you in the late summer and fall races hopefully strong again. So carefully,

Run 4 It

Psychological or Personal??

I read an article in my last issue of Running Journal and must say that it is probably the best written article I've read in years. Of course, it is geared to running but can be applied to any area of your life. Maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much. Without further ado, you can read the article below.

Winning is Personal
By Richard Ferguson, Ph.D.

"Running is the most primeval of all physical activities. Pre-historic man ran simply to survive through hunting and gathering, as well as fleeing from predators. For early man success through running simply meant living to see the sun rise on another day.

Today, success is certainly defined in a much different way. Unfortunately, in the sports world success is too often associated with winning and to most laymen, winning means finishing first. But do you really have to finish first to be a successful runner? I would say most certainly not.
Success is far too often associated with some particular outcome, such as a championship, trophy, or medal. For some, success may mean having great wealth, fame, or a position of power. All of these definitions of success are really external in their nature. By external I mean these things are what others, or society usually expect. Too often we have to look to other people to let us know if we are a success.

Even when we are successful according to the external norms of society, it may never be enough. If we don’t continue to better our previous levels and do more and more, then we may no longer feel successful. What a pity! So many people are walking around having accomplished great things, and are continuing to do great things, yet they feel like utter miserable failures.

I see this so often in runners. They run well, but for some reason, are never happy with what they’ve accomplished. No matter how they run, they view themselves as failures. While setting high standards is a must to achieving your potential, standards that are set too high and by external others can lead to constant feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

Runners need to find a definition of success, which is personal and internal. A definition of success which they set, not one set by some running shoe advertisement, or local running statistics maniac who seems to know everyone’s times and places from races during the last half century. In all reality success is a very subjective feeling. Success is really about how YOU feel about what you’re doing. No one else can really define success for YOU.

Many individuals often look to some end product in defining their success as runners. A performance time, event run, or place in a race, are usually used as a measure of success. But running is a process; a long-term process in which about 99 percent is preparation and training, while only about one percent is performance or racing. Yet we judge our success so much on the one percent. What about the journey of running itself? Don’t we feel success just by being out on the road or trail? I would hope all of us feel a great deal of success simply by being runners. Too often we forget the joys and pleasures that present themselves in our daily run. Maybe it’s time we “stop and smell the roses,” both literally and figuratively, as we run.

The act of running and moving is a joy in, and of itself. To feel successful you really don’t need a race, a clock, or a measured distance. My wife, Jill, has won a number of Master’s titles in very competitive races, yet she has not run a race in many, many years. Why? She really doesn’t like to race, but she loves to run. I guess that’s why she still runs 30 or so miles every week for the sheer pleasure of it. Is Jill not successful because she no longer races? I would say Jill is very successful in running because she loves to run and she is very happy about her running, much happier in fact than when she was dealing with expectations about race performances.

All of us have different goals for our running. No matter what the goal is, when we reach them we have a success story! This July thousands of runners will make the trek down Peachtree Street in Atlanta for the Peachtree Road Race. Only one runner will be first, so are the others losers? No way! For many on July 4, there will be feelings of success that will be unmatched in their entire lifetimes. Goals will be reached and runners will feel good about their accomplishments.

I know so many runners who always finish in the back quarter of every race, yet they absolutely love to run and participate in races. Are they losers because they finish at the tail end of the field? No way! If they have met their own personal goal then they are successful. I guess the thing that makes running so unique is really the personal nature of the sport. Sure, you often compete against other people, but you always have some type of competition going on with yourself and your own personal, internal goals. The challenge may lie in just getting out the door each day or it may lie in trying to reach that marathon PR.

So set some personal goals and go after them! Don’t worry about other people and their goals or what goals they think you should set. Other people can’t set goals for you. Only you can decide what you want to accomplish! This is one of the basic premises of goal setting strategy.

Whatever your goal may be, when you reach it feel good about what you’ve done. Enjoy the feelings of success! Don’t let others rain on your parade. When you reach a personal goal you deserve to feel good. Even though another runner may not understand your goals, then that’s OK. Winning is a personal thing! Enjoy your personal wins!"

Now, I say, just what can you add to this?? Find your "place", set your goals and

Run 4 It

Slow, But Sure

I know it's been a while since I posted but we've not run any races in a while. Seems one thing then another would pop up, all beginning with when I got sick back in March, that has knocked me back a notch. I know you're probably tired of hearing about it. Being sick was terrible but has been good in one sense. It's made me appreciate the hard work I put into my running; although it is really easy to get down when you can't seem to pick back up quickly. This is teaching me something and I'm not exactly sure what. I do know perservance is high on that list. Mentally, well, I'm working on that part. Being a while, it's taken its toll on my thinking even wondering if this "running" is for me. But I still can't get out of my head all the races I want to do...longer races.

My interest in 5k's has waned and that's about all you find now until the end of August. And, I really believe that those longer races in the south is just not good for you. I mean even racers in the Boston Marathon struggled this year. It's so hard on your body to push and there's a fine line between "good" and "bad" decisions to run hard in the heat. I really hope to find more PR's in me this fall, including 5k's...but more specifically 10k's and half's.

Starting to run after 50 has not been my best decision. But, of course, I started out just running and not racing. Kent has been the racer since I've known him and so I got into it before I knew it. I'm thankful for that because it has given me the push to improve that I would not have done had I just run on the streets or the treadmill. My running started out in my quest to lose weight which went hand-in-hand with Weight Watchers. Lost pretty fast and felt great. Then before I knew it, I decided to run a marathon. It was the hardest thing I'd ever done. Oh, NOT the distance...the slowing my pace down. It just about killed me!! If it had not been for my Garmin's alarm I'd have never done it. But since then, I've not run well and I'm not happy about that. One thing I found out is that I really love longer runs. I already knew that since I had done a couple of half's but when I hit the 15 mile mark, I knew this was for me.

My new adventure is swimming. Well, learning how to swim is more like it. I've known how to swim underwater for a long time but I've never been able to swim on top of the water. My sweet husband, Kent, has taken upon himself to teach me how. He's patient and has really helped me. I'm improving and can tell a difference every time I swim. My breathing and strength are getting better, too. Though this is nothing to most everyone, my favorite moment of the week is when I swam across the pool for the first time [yesterday]. Not only that, I did it several times!

For now, I'm running what I can and fighting those "don't want-to's" fiercely. We both win at times. With all of that said, I'm actually doing better and better in my weekly mileage. Maybe when I maintain it, I'll get a fresh outlook [mentally] and start moving forward. I'm looking ahead to better swimming, too. I'm not exactly sure why I'm wanting to learn how to swim. Maybe somewhere deep inside I'm wanting to do a triathlon. I have several friends who do them but it's too early to decide now.

My negative thinking lately has made me question my running. But I KNOW I love it and I KNOW I will return stronger than ever. I will NOT let this time get me down and I will win. I will work through my frustrations, weaknesses and laziness. There may be days when I may elect not to run, but I will work through those, too. Running has been a big part of my life in the last couple of years and I can't see how that will change. Thank you, Honey, for helping me through this new endeavor of swimming to be added to my running. It is such a nice thing to do when my run is finished. I know I'm not the most patient person but to make things even, I'm as hard on myself as I am on others...so we're all paddling as fast as we can.

So for now, I'll whip out my checkbook and pay for next year's subscription to Runner's World, Women's Running and my Running Journal cause I just can't put them down and pull out my new pair of shoes cause I love dreaming of new goals. Nah, I know I'm not through yet. And, with a nice mileage week, I'll leave you for now and will continue to

Run 4 It

Fall, Funeral, Fun

Okay...the only thing that relates to each other is the stupid word "fall". It all began when we left for a funeral for a dear friend, Bill Gasparrini. He had been battling cancer since September and he fought back hard. This was a sad thing to have to do. He touched our lives in ways we honestly can't explain. Guess it was all about his character, who he was, what he believed in and his strength, perservance and fervor for life. He seemed to be a quiet man and somehow you're drawn to love, admire and want what he was made of. We decided to go to the funeral kinda at the last minute. We knew we wouldn't know anyone there except for our running friends in the Gulf Coast Running Club, but that wasn't why we were going.

We woke up that morning and decided to go for a run since the funeral was close to lunch and we weren't far. After all, I could see Bill doing the same thing. I love the run and challenge the Biloxi/Ocean Springs Bridge gives me, so, off we went. Thuoght I'd go to the top and back again to the room to get ready. When I got to the peak I just couldn't not go all the way over. After all, all I could think about was what would Bill do? When I completed the bridge, over and back, I was back on the road to finish. I began to pick up the pace a little since I was running flat. As I got near the end with about .20 of a mile left, it happened. I was airborn and took a nasty fall. Oh, yeah, it was asphalt for breakfast. I had crossed the road and was stepping up onto the sidewalk again and my toe grabbed the curb and sent me flying. I'm a toe-runner and this is one of the disadvantages...or at least, it's mine. I hit the ground hard. Having on shorts and a short sleeve shirt exposed me to more man-made, unforgiving materials. While still on the ground the hurt began! Oh, my, even my left shoulder was hurting. I stood up and saw blood all over my left leg, knuckles and right hand and arm. It seems I fell on my knee, slid on my shin and falling onto my forearm all the way down to my shoulder. My right hand began to burn BAD. Looking at it, I knew I had left DNA all over the place. A little chunk of flesh was missing and there was a bad place on my elbow. Pain was all I could think and I wanted to cry REAL bad!! Thankfully, I was not in a race because I couldn't run any more and would have had to walk. I limped across the 4-lane to the hotel. This really messed up my good run for the morning. When I got into the shower, I was burning from shoulders to shin. Of course, I had NO bandaids, antibiotic creams or anything. Since we almost didn't even go, we came with the bare necessities. Putting ice on my knee and hand really helped until I could get to a drugstore to buy something I already had plenty of at home.

Shortly, we were on the way to the funeral except that I wasn't able to wear my black hose with my dress. I took a picture but couldn't bare to share it. I looked terrible! Thankfully, it wasn't about me or what I was wearing. The funeral was an honorable one. Many that were close to him, running with him for the last many weeks at his home every week, were there.

Now, on to the fun, right?? The next day was the Diversity Dash 5k [re-named from the Color Run]. I was so excited about this race as it was the first time I was going to get to run with my granddaughters. Shelby runs a mile at cheer practice but the other two had never run before. Either way, I knew it was going to be a challenge since I was still hurting a lot. At least, I knew we would walk some and I'd definitely not be running like I would be if I was really racing. Boy, was I glad that they've never raced! It was necessary to put a large bandage over my knee and palm to keep out the colored powder cause I knew I was going to be drenched. Knowing we were going to walk and run, we started in the back of the pack of over 500 to avoid anyone falling over us trying to pass.

Here are some of the photos taken at the Dash starting with me and my girls. Oh, yeah, the girls and I wore ribbons written in rainbow colored letters spelling "AWESOME" and that's what we were that special day!

All clean and ready to run: Bailey, Me, Shelby and Kyra

My bestest running buddies: Jan, Frank, Me, Deleica and Serina

Action shot BEFORE we got to the colored powders: Kyra, Me, Bailey

Shelby and Bailey coming in to the Finish Line

Me and Kyra taking the last few strides

Me, Serina and Deleica after the race

Me, Serina, Shelby, Bailey, Frank, Jan and Deleica in the very back. This was a lot of fun to do with all my running friends and granddaughters!

The girls and I all "colored" up. I am SO proud of them!! Remember, they've never run or raced before.

A final picture of all us girls.


And it wouldn't be complete without the photographers...Kent and Myssey. Thanks for everything!!

One final thing. After my minor procedure on Monday, I had the doctor to look at my boo-boos. I was still so very sore and continue to hurt a lot. Guess it was because the worse places were on bone. He had a question as to whether I had broken a bone in my hand. Said to keep an eye on it. Due to the procedure, I can't run for a few days. But this time, I'm working on walking in order to keep going during this time. So far, it's worked after 48 hours of healing. I'm fine...nothing's wrong; just something that has to be done 4-5 months. It's really hard to work through these times, being a runner and wanting to be on the road every day. So, as each beautiful day pass, I'm looking forward to when I can again

Run 4 It

Azalea Trail 10k

To run or not to run...that is the question! Since February 28th when I woke up with a B.A.D. sore throat, my running has taken a step back...a HUGE one! I'll try to bring you up to speed. My throat stayed VERY sore for a week knocking me out of running my first trail race!! VERY disappointed. The following day, I contracted a terrible cough. So much so that I was still unable to run and ended up at the doctor's office. An antibiotic, two meds and a shot later, I was back on the road to Gulf Shores again. Still no running.......more than a week later my cough had not gotten better and off I go to the Urgent Care in GS for more help. Leaving with another shot and more meds, I was hoping this would take care of it as I was still coughing my head off. Last week, I was feeling much better so I decided to do a "little" run. No coughing during the run but it came back afterwards. For 3 days I continued to get in VERY easy, slow runs. It felt so good to get out again.

The Azalea Trail 10k was Saturday and I wanted to do it sooooo bad. I always "try" to PR on this course (this is where my 10k PR is now). I really like this race. Being so apprehensive, I thought it through again and again. I certainly did NOT want to relapse with this terrible bronchitis! Then I thought about my friend Bill G. who is going through terrible times with cancer. His great running and encouragement to me in the last 18 months came to mind. I thought if he can get out and ride his bike with other runners or walk around the block as sick as he is, surely I can run this, slow as it may be. That's it: I'll do it honoring him!! So, with new direction and my coughing almost gone, I saw no other way but to dedicate this race to him. Being down doesn't always mean being out! So I aimed to do the best I could; just like he does-the best he can...no matter what!!

We arrived at the Civic Center the night before to pick up our race packets. There I ran into FB friends I'd not met yet and one I'd only met once at a race a year and half ago. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the visiting. It's like close friends talking as fast as one can through out. It was such an exciting beginning to this year's race. Talking with MiHyang, La Von, Lee, Serina and her family was great. Here are a couple of pics. Love you, MiHyang!!

Is she not just the cutest little thing??? She squeezed me so tight I was hoping a few pounds would leak out. BTW, it didn't happen, ha!

La Von, me and Lee. I'm so excited to have met ya'll.


Nice pic with MiHyang, Kent and me at the Expo.

Let's start now by saying that my goal for this race was completely different from probably any I'd done before but I really, really, really wanted to do it. I had to re-focus if I wanted to attempt it. First, I wanted to do it! Yeah, that was a goal. Funny, huh? Second, I wanted to run it and not walk any of it.

It was really hot for me and Kent. We like it much cooler. Think it was in the low 70's at the start and very humid! Which takes you down a notch, too. Kent has contracted a really bad cold/allergy/or "something" attack. He's VERY congested. This kind of stuff we've had affects how or if you can breathe; therefore it affects any athletic ability to take in air. This was Kent's first 10k racewalk so it was a PR for him.

A couple of pre-race pics.

MiHyang, Gary T. and me.


My favorite pic of the day! We felt great and were so excited. Notice my race bib? It is attached to my bib/fuel belt. This is the second time I've used it and I love it! One reason? It stays put and doesn't move. It's not been used for fueling as I use a larger one with hydration bottles. But it has straps that will hold the gels in place along with the bib.

My time was 1:00:03. Dang it!!! Wish I had known a little ways back cause I really would have loved to have been under an hour. My PR for this race is 55:05 only a couple of years ago and I am soooo looking forward to breaking 55:00.

I believe there were more people that hung around after the race than I've ever seen before. Hey, there must have been a million...well, maybe not that many. I missed several I knew were there but saw most. Caught up with a couple. Boy, don't I look rough? At least, it was AFTER the race, ha!


Me, Deleica and Serina. This is for you, Bill...thumbs up, my friend!

We connected with several of our GCRC friends after the race. One had to withdraw after starting the race due to a pulled hamstring. :( Then there were three that weren't able to make it due to health reasons: Nancy with possible heart issues, Jessica for obvious ones (she's due April 4) and Mark (not pictured) with PF. Kent & I were included in the group pic this year and I'll post it if/when I get it. Hats off to Leonard V. for 2nd place in his age group of 119! Also, congratulations on the GCRC Teams! Both male and female teams won team awards.


Hope to see Nancy soon and next time I see Jessica I hope she'll be pushing one of those running strollers. They're both great runners and are missed by everyone.

All in all, it was one of the best Azalea Trail races I've participated in. I saw so many people I knew and was happy throughout this time. No, there wasn't a PR to be had by me but Kent got one. And, no, it was NOT my best run; but I ran it. I accomplished the two goals I had, which were realistic for the day. My race for the day was dedicated to a great runner and that made it special to me. Then I found out that I placed 9th out of 62 ladies in my 5-year age group!! I was totally shocked. Kent won 3rd place overall racewalker! Congrats, honey! I will post pictures when we receive them. This makes the 3rd time I've placed in this great race. This race was phenomenal to me this 2012. It really makes me want to do this race forever and ever.

And, I end with this. NEVER give up! You may have to alter your goals in light of the day's situation but running always wins over sitting on the couch. Now, get out there and...

Run 4 It

Got the Munchies?

I've read another great article for runners. This one is on munching...the right kind for runners. This one is from Runner's World. You can read it here. I hope this helps you with what to grab for those nagging hunger pains in-between meals. All I MUST say is watch your calories AND the amount you eat. To me, I'm a fiber girl. This helps me curb those appetities and this helps me decide just exactly what is best to reach for. Enjoy...

Signs of Overtraining

This is a good article to use as a healthy check. If you have a question as to if you are overtraining or not, see if you fit into any of these categories.

Go here for the article. Have a great mid-week run!

Attacked!

No, I've not quit running but for over a week I have not been able to. Welcome to allergy season!!! Yep, I've had one of the worst allergy attacks I've had in years! Or so the doctor says it's allergy. It's not actually felt like any attack I've had before. Can we say "in bed". And, oh my, what a sore throat! I've been VERY weak and have hardly been able to move around until after I went and got a shot and antibiotics. As a matter of fact, it totally knocked me out of my first trail race!! Soooo disappointed! But with all the rain, even during the race, I sadly withdrew to keep me from getting so much worse. It turned out to be the right decision.

Personally, I think this is part flu. I've not sneezed which is SOOOO normal for my allergy attacks and I've ached and ran low grade temps as though I had the flu. I lost 4 pounds in 4 days! Not the way you'd want and I'm sure they will return. Whatever...it's put me down. On top of that, I've contracted a terrible cough after a week of fighting the sore throat which had gotten better by this time. I can count on my hand how many times I've had a cough. It's so rare. Though I still have bouts of coughing I'm feeling better overall. Can't take deep breaths yet cause it stirs up this nagging cough again and sometimes it takes me quite a while to stop. Hoping I can walk a little today without encouraging more coughing.

Kids Need Heroes 5k

With the temp at 48 degrees and low humidity, the Kids Need Heroes 5k race was going to be a good one. This race benefited those children that could not afford to go to summer camp at the YMCA (which is who put this on) and learn how to live healthy along the way.

After lining up, the directors gave great instructions on racewalking, which is hardly ever done. This included instructing anyone who ran that was signed up for walking would be disqualified. Off we went and I was going pretty strong. Close to the one mile mark I noticed my pace was way too fast so early in a race. The course was nice and flat and there were course volunteers spread throughout cheering and directing course turns as well as mile markers where times were announced accurately. When we made the halfway mark we began to face some gusty headwinds. This made a difference in my running. But that wasn't all. I was running as well as I could and was losing ground on a good race.

Kent finished pretty strong. Everyone was so excited to see him coming and cross the line. I couldn't believe all cheering I heard for him and wished he could have, too. They had no idea I was his wife so this made it extra special. I snapped a quick picture as he crossed the line.

Also one of us.

There were more different kinds of food than I've seen at a 5k. There were three looooong tables. The first table had several different kinds of fruit, different kinds of mini muffins and Gogurts.

The second table had: bagels with three different kinds of cream cheese spreads, bananas, HOT pizzas from Mellow Mushroom and Krispy Kreme donuts. A little later a large chocolate sheet cake was brought out and put on this table.

The third table had very long sub sandwiches cut into pieces with lots of trimmings to add; you can barely see it waaaay down at the end. One thing we've not had before were these Team Realtree Outdoor Energy Low Carb drinks. They are in metal containers. I tried one and really liked it. It tastes like Cream Soda and I haven't had one of these in a very long time. The nutritional facts are: 10 calories, 0 fat, 3 g carb, 3 g sugars, 10 mg sodium and lots of B vitamins. FYI...I do NOT partake of "energy" drinks. The other drinks available by this company were not "low carb" and was high in calories, sodium, etc. I liked the fizz in it and I'm not ignorant to think it is the perfect new drink. But it seems to meet my piddly standards for now. I hope we can find more of these to keep on hand.

This was a low participated race. Not sure why because it was a great one unless it wasn't advertised much. I won First Place in my age group with one of the worst 5k times I've had since racing. I was really disappointed. You must understand I'm not disappointed in winning something but in my efforts and ability. I KNOW I can do much better. The lady that beat me I always beat; she even went around saying that to some. Even with the time she finished on this race, I should have beat that by about a minute!!! Not too good, huh? She and I have become friends and race almost every race together. She is very strong in longer runs but I usually win on the 5k's and 10k's. She's run for years and has run over 100 marathons; she's run the Marine Corps marathon for 25 years straight and many more than those! I feel honored to run alongside of her. My award was a gift certificate to the Nike outlet store.

Kent won 2nd Overall Racewalker. He did really good.

We had eaten greasy ribs the day before and that played a part in my pitiful race. Without sharing one of my worse times I'll just say that I knew better to eat like I did and did it anyway. All in all, I was not in racing shape. Shame on me!!! I am excited to do this race again but next time I'll be in better racing condition...I can and I will get back to shape. Not giving up, I'm gonna

Run 4 It

Tough is Good

Racquetball has always been one sport I've loved. Two problems exist: location and a partner. Seems if you have one you're lacking in the other. For several years now, I've not been able to play due to both problems. But the other day, I pulled my bootstraps up and headed out to a place I'd not been before to play around some. I know how easy it is to quickly get tired so I started out slow. No, there was no partner. But I wanted to play so bad. Therefore, me, my racquet and one ball from years ago decided to see what we could muster up.

After the first hit, I was hooked and it felt gooooood!! OMGosh, how I've missed it. Within minutes of stretching my body in so many directions I knew what was going to happen...can you spell S O R E!! I thought about it several times but I just couldn't get enough. Hitting most every ball served and chasing down the loose ones was a little difficult for one person. Kent showed up from his workout and told me "you know you're going to be sore". Next thing I knew he was inside wanting to bat around some. He's never got into sports that required a lot of fast stop and go.

I wondered how all my running was going to help out and I can't tell you just how much it did! Though I tired some, I lasted over an hour just by myself. Previously, when I would warm up waiting for my partner, I'd be tired and sweaty when we started. Not this time. Not to say that it wouldn't happen had there been a partner.

Fast forward to next day: a little sore. Two days after: I KNOW I worked out. Three days after: My butt and quads are sooooo sore and I now know I have butt muscles that have never been used before! Problem? I can't run...I could hardly get up out of the chair. Groaning and moaning didn't help with my body screaming obscenities at me all the time. But deep down inside, I loved every minute that caused these muscles to scream out. And, yeah, I'd do it again!

On Monday, four days later with NO exercise of any kind, I pushed myself out the door and went for a run...a VERY EASY one. I was still sore just not as bad and I was missing my running bad. Laying off any extra exercises that may use my gluteous maximus was necessary if I wanted to get back to normal with my running. I hoped for 4 or 5 slow miles but ended with 6.25 miles and 1 warm up walk...more than pleased. Today, I'm barely sore but wasn't sure I could eke out 5 miles after being "down" a lot in the last few days. Starting out with that in mind, the first 3 miles were torture. Due to the heavy humidity (98%), it was a killer for breathing. But I wanted to defy these "issues" and DO it. When I entered my 4th mile, I was feeling better. Five came up and all I could think about was I wanted to match my mileage from two days ago. That became easy...moving right on along. Next thing I knew I had eased up to 7.5 miles!! I ended with a one mile cool down and a lot of stretching as my muscles were a little sore.

No, I wouldn't say this one was for the books. But I will say that I overcame several obstacles and in the face of "quitting" or "walking" I pushed through. Listening to my Christian music made my run so pleasant...no push...just thinking, praying and talking with Jesus. I'm so glad that I had this run today. It was a blessing in disguise.

Regretful that I didn't reach 20 miles last week, I do know what the problem was and it wasn't from lack of exercise. So, I'm shooting for a better week this week. Don't sit around. If you're experiencing a little depression from being inside due to the weather, try to find a time you can hit the door for a little run. You won't regret it. There is no "poor" run/walk unless you do NOT do it.

Run 4 It

Sweetheart 5k

It's been quite a while since I've run a 5k as well as doing even a little bit of speedwork. So before I even got outside, I was challenged. The race started at 9:00 so we didn't need to leave too early. It was a lot cooler than when we went to bed. Temps are beginning to drop with the lowest being tonight. Thank goodness!! It could have come in one day earlier and we'd have frozen. As it was, we ran in 46 degrees and a little gusty wind with some sun. The Sweetheart Race was a 5k, 5k Walk and a 10k with a Fun Run at the end. All in all there were over 800 participants with most in the 5k.

I was not as prepared for this 5k as in the past. Since focusing more on longer races this last year, my speed has slowed and my speedwork has about gone to pot. So I was not as concerned this go around. Surprisingly, I didn't choose the 10k instead of the 5k. I usually do and was a little nervous in a different sense. The course was flat and an out-and-back. I loved it. Boy, I had not realized how much I'd missed running the shorter races...but I LOVE the longer ones. I'm just betwixt in my loves here. Oh well, this topic is for another post.

I felt strong my last mile. Though I didn't place this time, I'm well pleased with my 8:34 pace!! Highly unusual, there were 15 in my a/g and the worse part-there some really strong runners that showed up. On the other hand, I couldn't believe I had recuped my speed as well as I did, not having run in 5k's in a while. Kent did well and won the Senior GrandMaster Racewalker. There were over 150 walkers!! Here he is coming in.


After the race, we enjoyed scrumptious nachos. The best part...you could fix it yourself! Here's Kent's bowl with brownies.


I LOVE jalapenos!!! Soooo, I got mine and two other peoples...yay!! Of course, mine looked terrible but it tasted fantastic. The thing with mine is that you could not even tell there were colorful chips hiding underneath it all for ALL the trimmings I added. I like everything on them (ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, cheese sauce, sour cream and jalapenos), sooooo...my bowl is fuller than most! And, by the way, yeah I ate every bit of this mess...yummmm! I got a brownie but had to save it for later. Wonder why???


We ran up with Ginny and Chad while we were eating. Of course you never want others to know how MUCH you eat...well, we were caught grinning from ear to ear. Ginny won 1st place in her age group. She recently qualified for Boston next year...go, girl!! I'm so proud of her.

Until next time...keep your body moving and
Run 4 It

Double Bridge 15k

What a great weekend! Starting with the packet pick-up, we enjoyed the expo. As a matter of fact, more than we should have. A lady was selling a trail-mix of sort of which we got a sample and LOVED!! We rarely like them but fell in love with these. It has a concoction of almonds, walnuts, pecans, cranberries, honey, pumpkin seeds, roasted almond oil, unsweetened shredded coconut and a little sea salt. The honey make it cluster and it was so delish!! Yeah, we got some...not one bag, but two...and made sure we had her website addy to get more when we run out. Going to mix some Greek yogurt in with some to give us an all around good breakfast. A one ounce portion, though seems a little, has 7 grams of fiber in it and gave me all I needed. So that PointsPlus Value of 4 was okay with me. Here is a picture for your eyes to feast on.


Later we went and picked up our pre-race meal. It was a bowtie pasta with maranara sauce (no meat) and a chicken penne pasta. It was really quite good.

Upon check in, we both received blankets given to runners that were staying in host hotels. Yay! We'd decided to stay the night as I had to be up pretty early to catch the shuttle to the race start. The last one left at 6:00 making it a pretty early morning for me, like 4:15, as I needed to pack before leaving...I'm sure I was no different from the other runners. I definitely didn't want to get on the last bus in case it was running late or something weird like that causing me to be late in lining up.

It was a Point A to Point B kind of race. I had been excited to run this one for some time now. It was thrilling to know that we were going to run over two bridges. I love the "water" influence running on bridges. I feel so free and I love it all, even the tough runs. On top of that, I was excited to run over these bridges because they were hard ones...VERY steep. I love to run over the Ocean Springs Bridge and the Bay St. Louis Bridge; they give me a good workout, especially the OS one. But I love to get to the top and look out over the beauty of the water and how the light dances on the top. There's nothing like it! Don't get me wrong. Bridges, even flat ones, can be challenging. There's always wind, some days worse than others.

The race began at 7:00. I enjoy running in larger races as you enjoy running with runners of many different ability levels. I use to (and sometimes still do) feel like I'm the slowest runner and that no matter how hard I run I'm still at the end of the pack. It makes me real nervous and takes away from the love of racing it. But when there's a lot of people, it takes the "stress" out of it and helps keep my mind directed on MY run and pace and listen to my body. On the bus, I talked with a young lady sitting next to me. I was getting so nervous, even a tiny bit nauseous, for fear I'd not have the strength or ability to run across those huge bridges that seem to grow in my mind every time I thought about it. Thanks, Laurie, for taking my mind off of it and for listening to an old woman nervously babbling along. You are real sweet and I hope you did well.

We were in corrals due to the number of runners. I personally like that because I don't feel so alone. There were friends of ours from the Gulf Coast Running Club that came over to race and I think they were in the first coral. They are literally like lightning!! I'm glad they even speak to me, they are so above my level. Of course, I keep telling myself that I would be much better had I started running when I was younger instead of beginning at 51. I wish I had known how much fun it really was.

Excitement built as our corral neared the Starting Line. Then it was us. After we all "found our pace" it became more like a race. It takes a little longer to get to that state when there are so many people. But in a long one, to me, this is good cause I tend to go out way too fast...and I did...thankfully, not to my detriment this time. I love my Garmin for many reasons but pacing is great to keep me where I need to be and not "peter out" at the end when I want to run faster but have no energy left.

It was barely light when we looped around a block or so before getting on the beach road. It was exciting to see the water slowly glistening as the sun tried to come out. It was hid behind many clouds keeping the temp just right for running. It was in the mid 60's when we began and high humidity. I'd read to get water at all the 3 water stops, because it is a tough run, to help keep you from dehydrating, even if you weren't sweating. So I made it a point to do that. The last two stops was just before a bridge and I thought I'd need all the help I could get to climb them. Usually, I slowed down to drink them and this was working but it probably cost me in my time at the finish.

The first bridge is amazingly beautiful! You can see it from a long distance; the entire bridge. It's flat until you get to the "hump" and it flattens back out again. When we got to the base of it, excitement built. I was fixing to start running it. I don't know why, but I get a thrill out of running bridges. It's just a feeling I really love to experience. I don't care how hard it is, I just love it. Check out some of the pics...yeah, it was just about this dark when we were on it. This is the first bridge...don't know the people but wanted to share these amazing views.








This last one is looking back at the runners climbing the bridge. Oh, yeah, they got me!! I'm in red just over the right shoulder of the guy in the yellow with his left arm up.

Woo-hoo!!

We finally came up on the 5k start in Gulf Breeze. It was really exciting as the runners were lined up along the streets cheering you on. What a neat surprise...I loved it. Their race started at 8:30 and was 20 minutes or so away. Immediately after that, we had another little bridge, which was not even mentioned but would have been in another race, that rose steeply, curved around and back over the Interstate. Thankfully, it was short lived. I gathered my "stuff" again and kept going.

The final water stop was ahead which was located at the bottom of the "mega" bridge. The Sikes Bridge was just ahead and I knew I was about to face the giant. After the first 20 yards on the bridge, the elevation began. While I was getting close to the peak of the bridge I began to really feel it. My thoughts "here it goes" crossed my mind, my heart was in my throat, and the excitement began to build. It got harder as I got to the top and the wind showed no mercy. BUT, I loved it...every challenging moment! I love running bridges because it reveals to me what I have inside and how much it wants to come out. I find places within I never know I have until I'm pushed like this.

At the 8 mile mark we began to decend. You could see the bottom of the bridge and you knew it wouldn't be long. Usually I don't like downhills but I loved every minute of them in this race. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed getting to the Finish Line.

I had misplaced the knee strap I usually wear on longer runs but my knee gave me absolutely NO problem. Success all the way around. I got stronger and stronger though I didn't know exactly where the Finish Line was. My Garmin kept me informed. Then I turned a slight corner and saw the "shoot" knowing the clock was just ahead. People and finished runners were cheering you in. I get excited with goosebumps just thinking about it all again! I got my second win a third time and ran as hard as I could. I finished strong and am proud of my time. Chip time was 1:34:30. A PR seeing as how it was my first 15k but a good time for me nevertheless.

I lined up waiting for Kent to cross the line. He has been struggling with a lot of joint pain and I was concerned with him racewalking on that very steep bridge. When I saw him, he looked great...no pain in his face and was looking strong!! I am so proud of him. He continues to amaze me with his persistance and abilities.

After the race, there was red beans and rice with something that looked like a chicken mixture over rice. It was really good. I took a pic but blogger, for some reason, wouldn't post it. The post race party was at Hemmingway's on the beach and the day turned out beautiful with warm sun. I love Pensacola!!

Congrats to our friends: Leonard V. for receiving the GM, Mark K. 1st in his age group and Leah W. 1st in her age group. They are great runners and I'm proud of them. Can't wait until next year...yeah, I wanna do it again!!

A Reason To Stay Active...ALWAYS!

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!

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!

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

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