Good Life Ride

What a beautiful day for a ride.  Yep, I said "ride".  This is my first Good Life Ride today.  Bad part first...I signed up for the 22 miler but dropped to the 10 miler.  I was afraid I could not maintain the 10 mph requirement for the 22 mile distance.  I rode my bike on Monday for 15 miles and it was tough!  Don't know if it was where I rode or the grades or just the plain fact that I didn't use my gears as I should.  I am so new at biking and have SO much to learn!  I knew I could ride the 10 miles and probably could have done close to 20 with no problem but the speed made it a question.  After all, I can't stand when people bypass the rules just because they want to do something.  It is so selfish and annoying to others.  Hence...10 miles for me today. 

I wanted to do the very best that I could even if it was a fun ride.  It's just the competitor in me, I guess.  I started out in the front so I wouldn't have to get around those that planned on a leisurely ride or those with children.  For a short while, there were four people ahead of me.  It wasn't too long though before two couples passed me.  As we got through the roads and headed out on to the trail system the trees kept it nice and cool even though the temps were not bad to begin with.  The trail was so nice to ride on.  The eight folks that got ahead of me were barely seen after a couple of miles on this turn.  I enjoyed this so much!  It was so peaceful.  Before I realized it I was nearing the turn around point and they were all there .  I know this was a ride and not a race but when I reached this point, I didn't expect to just sit around and laugh at the teenagers that couldn't get the water container open for me!  A little irritating as it should have already been done.  After a quick swig, I got back on the trail and headed back to the finish. 

The feeling was so different from a race as there weren't any Start or Finish Lines.  You started together and finished on your own.  Something I've got to get accustomed to if I want to do more.  One thing I wasn't excited about was the many, many times you had to slow to almost a stop or stop completely for the road intersections on the trail.  I would guess that there were at least a dozen of those ONE WAY!  This slows you down a lot and really cuts into your speed.  Okay...it's coming out...the racer that I am. 

There were 4 rides today.  They were 10 miles, 22 miles, 40 miles and 64 miles with varying start times and locations.  The further you rode the earlier you started.  All ended at Tacky Jack's in Gulf Shores.  TJ served nachos and drinks and they were so good.  I can't wait to do this one next year...and, as of now, it will definitely be the 22 miler.  I found a couple of friends afterward and talked with them some.  Marsha and Pete were so encouraging even if they had just finished their 40 miles.  It's friends like these, whether they be bikers or runners, that reaches down inside you and gives you that extra "atta boy" that everyone wants and needs.  Thanks, guys!!  I appreciate you! 

Here are my stats when it was all said and done.  10.47 miles at a 10.6 mph for 59:03 minutes.  I am well pleased since I know this could have been faster.  I really, really enjoyed this and YES, there will be more.  I learned more about my gears and how to utilize them...again, this is a learning curve for sure, but my hope is getting stronger.  Unfortunately, there are no pics today.  :(  But I learned that I could get into this new sport easier than I thought I could.  Yay! 

I hope you are outside doing something because it's got to be beautiful where you are today.  I want to encourage you to at least, get out and walk a little.  Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all of my lady-friends. 

Robbie

Fiesta Five Flags 5k...Plus

April ended with completing 100 running/walking miles this month.  As a matter of fact, I have achieved 449.95 miles year-to-date on my way to reaching 1,000 miles for the year.  I'm thankful I am ahead of the game cause you never know what the future holds as far as being able to get them all in.  Also, I've been doing a 100-Mile Challenge each month since January and have more than accomplished this. 

We have run the Fiesta of Five Flags for years and it just seemed "right" to go to it this year.  Unfortunately, we neither one are up-to-par this year.  So we refocused our minds and did the best we could do.  As most of you know, my right hip has really been a pain...literally.  My plan this race was to run/walk it.  I had thought of withdrawing completely but hated to do that since I really could walk it if I needed to.  I didn't have a "plan" per se' but tried to run as much as I could and when I felt a twinge in my hip I walked a little bit.  This was what I did throughout the race.  I'm so glad that I went through with this.  Feeling like a quitter is quite different than feeling like you did the best you could do THROUGH the problem.  As it turned out, I placed 4th place in my age group of 14 others and only 5 seconds from actually getting an award!  Two ladies in my group received two of the top awards pushing me higher in rank. 

The month of May will present itself doing different things on a regular basis from the past.  For one, I'm going to stop running for two weeks and see if this helps my hip.  If I see progress but not completely pain free, then I will lay off another two weeks.  Hopefully, this will take care of my problem.  I'm thinking I'm having sciatic nerve problems. 

Secondly, I'm going to focus on riding my bike more to give my running legs a break for a while.  Today, I rode 15 miles on the trail system.  I honestly wish I could say I love cycling.  For now, I'm plugging along working on getting my butt use to the seat and not go numb before the ride is up.  I am still learning how to use my gears and there are so many things I need to know about a bike itself including maintenance and repair.

I saw a national bike challenge on Facebook and looked into it.  So in order to keep me on my bike regularly, I joined it.  For anyone that might be interested in doing this, too, here is the site
https://nationalbikechallenge.org/home .  Being realistic, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to keep with riding every day in May but I plan to ride at least one mile as much as I possibly can through the month and adding as many miles as I can through the end of September.  This includes spinning.  I hope by the end of the month, I can actually say that I look forward to riding 10 or 15 miles whenever I choose and that my butt will not hurt any more. 

I'll be looking into swimming soon to give me another cross training workout while my hip heals.  I'm also going to try a Gentle Yoga class. 

Well, that's it for now.  I'm looking forward to better running/racing this fall/winter.  Summer is not my time to run outside anyway so this is a great time to "lay off".  Hope all is going well for you.  Until next time

Run 4 It

Friends, friends, friends

Today was the Zydeco 5k in Gulf Shores.  I had not planned to do this race but had several friends that were signed up.  A couple of days before, I received information that my friend, Ginny, might be coming down and was going to do the race.  I was excited.  So, I saw it as a no-brainer that I had to go watch it.  After all, it has been a few years since I'd seen and visited with Ginny.  I had a baby shower to attend mid-morning and knew I couldn't get cleaned up fast enough after the race so I dressed for the shower since it was going to be right around the block from the race.  This way I could stay as long as I could and visit with everyone.  Here are a few pre-race pics. 

Me and Ginny

 Susan and me

 My new friend, Josh.

Tim getting Go-Pro and camera ready.

Some action shots.  Get ready, set, GO...............

Some of my Sole Sisters. 

Go, Stephen!

My friend, Buck, finishing strong and fast!! 

Moe finishing strong, too. 

 

Here are a few post-race pics.

Another friend, Jojo 

Ann, Susan and Buck

Award info...Ginny got 1st place in her age group; Moe got 2nd and Susan got 3rd in their age group; and Josh got 2nd in his age group.  I was sad that Buck didn't place because he finished strong and fast!  He ran great today; he was 5th in his age group.  There were 442 runners...much larger than last year's inaugural race.  Also, runners were chipped which I think was a good idea.  It was VERY windy today and some of my friends mentioned how that played a role in their effort.  All in all, everyone did great and I am very proud of them.  I love my friends!! 

Before the awards began, I left for the baby shower.  This was for Pastor Lloyd and Leeanne Stilley's DIL.  It is their first grandchild and it's a girl...the first little girl in their line in a long while.  The ladies had the room decorated so beautiful and "girly".  I loved it!  Here are a few pics. 

Yep, this is probably what you are thinking: dill pickles and ice cream! 

Finally a pic of Vivian, Debbie and me.

It was definitely a very full morning of visiting, cheering, picture taking and showering!  Oh, did I tell you...I love my friends!! 

Until next time,

Run 4 It

Mileage is the Name of the Game

I entered a 100-Mile Challenge in January and shortly thereafter saw another challenge of 1,000 miles for the year.  So, I hopped on those trains and left the station.  The first quarter is "down" and I am feeling pleased with my progress.  Yes, I said QUARTER!  Here are the numbers:

January - 112.43
February - 114.62
March - 122.58

For a year-to-date total, this adds up to be 349.63 miles for three months.  I am very realistic and at times feel pessimistic; in saying this, that I do know things will come up and change your well-planned schedule.  It could be weather [and yes, if it's bad enough I don't even want to get out and go to the gym], illness, injury, company, special events and sometimes you just don't "feel like" doing anything and need some extra rest.  Don't give up!  Do what you can and it will all pan out for the good.

Yes, I've felt good this quarter and, yes, I've been injured and struggled to get back "up" again.  But I haven't quit!  Regardless of how hard things can get, how discouraged I get with my progress or ability or how much I want to quit, I now have a base to work on and history to prove that I can do this!  No, Sireee, Bob...I will NOT quit!! 

This week I began a month of personal training for the first time ever.  I'm doing it with two other ladies [to keep the cost down].  These ladies have been doing this for about 3 years.  I feel like such a sissy as I have so much to work on and learn and get up to "speed".  Some weight exercises, core and balance exercises and all-around ab workouts have been good.  I'm learning machines I've not known how to use as well as new exercises using free weights, balls, kettleballs and other equipment.  Regardless of how awful I am at this time, pushing on is the game in this arena.  Thanks, Pam, for good routines!  And, your patience with me!  I will be stronger at the end of the month and looking forward to new and exciting things at the Y. 

I'll share this but am not ready to be accountable to it yet.  I do a spin class once a week...I know, I know...many of you, and probably most, do several classes a week but I love to run and that's where all my effort basically goes.  Anyway, the first part of the year when I started spin, I had a real hard time.  My endurance was awful!!  And, standing up was almost impossible and I wanted to quit big-time due to discouragement.  I hung in there and after talking with Pam she asked if I ran before class and I said yes; she suggested running 1-2 miles or none and see if I could do the class better.  So I dropped my mileage and after a few more classes I was able to stand and do the class as instructed.  Soon I started my running before class again but very easy.  Doing a couple of miles didn't seem to bother me.  Well...to make a long story short...NOT...I stayed with it.  Now, I run 2 miles before class and 2 afterward, working on endurance and mileage in spin class.  This week, I ran my usual 2 miles before class at a decent pace, did class [achieving 21.6 miles], and ran another 2 miles afterward at a very good pace.  I felt really good throughout and strong.  Back to the first sentence of this paragraph.  If things keep going well and I get a little confidence, I'd like to do my first duathlon this year.  I think I can do this and that it is an achievable goal.  We'll see..........

So for now, I'm "banking" as many miles as I can, to meet my monthly and yearly goal.  Actually, I had no idea that I could do 100 miles a month and it's been three months down.  This builds my confidence and assurance that it can be done.  I am eager to get out and add more miles. 

Whatever you are doing, do it with all you have.  Do NOT compare yourself with others or it will be easy to get discouraged, quit or put yourself down.  There is only one YOU...be the best YOU can be.

Until next time get out and

Run 4 It

Azalea Trail 10k & More

Let me start out with the "More" in my title.  As I entered a new decade age, I thought it might be good to start out with making new PR's each decade.  After all, most previous ones probably won't be broken as you are younger and faster and not broke down.  There is one I hope to break but we will leave that up to the future to see if it will be done.  Making out my new list, I discovered that not only have I been racing a lot but that every one I've done since turning 60 have been different distances.  No repeats.  I thought how odd that was.  I couldn't have planned it any better.  The races done are: 5k, 4 miles, 8k [trail race which will be documented different than an 8k road race], 10k, 15k and a half marathon.  I've won medals in every race except for the 15k which is a large race.  The first one was actually the same week I turned 60.  The others, ironically, have been a week apart with the exception of one being two weeks.  All of this makes me a happy running girl.  Looking back, I would have had no idea I would have done all of this in a short amount of time. 

Azalea Trail Report

Initially, I had hoped to be injury free to run the 10k this year.  My distance is improving and my strength is better than it has been in quite a while.  Unfortunately, the 8k run in the sand took its toll on my right groin and hip.  I was bummed out about that; but in the last week I've babied that thing as much as I could keeping some distance on my legs even if it meant walking some.  By the time of this race, it was getting much better.  The Azalea Trail race is one of my all-time favorites and I was sad that I wasn't able to run it like I had hoped to.  On the positive side...I will return next year in better condition.  At least, I hope so. 

Friends from our hometown were coming to this race and I was excited to see them, especially my friend, Frank.  I haven't seen him since we moved a year ago!!  He and I are long time running partners and I've really missed running with him. 

And, I want to say that 3 of us trained for our first marathon together and though we got our picture taken per chance, it really brought back some really good memories of that time.  Here's D, me and Frank.

On to the race.  Here are some action shots of me and only some of my friends.  Unfortunately, not everyone's pics were taken...like my hubby's!  :( 

 Devon & Deleica

Professor Nestor 

Tommy 

Nancy 

Frank & Krista

Below are some post-race pics.

 

Then you always have those friends that just "can't help themselves" but let it all hang out, ha!  Life would be boring without them, for sure.  Love these guys...

Nestor

 

Kathy, Serina & Deleica 

And, Serina in true form!  She will dance with any/every one or even alone.  She's just FILLED with happy juice!

Kent did well in his 5k race.  He received 3rd Overall Racewalker.  I'm so proud of him!

My time was way off as far as competing goes so I wasn't looking for a single bit of recognition.  BUT...as it turned out, I placed 6th in my age group.  They go 10 deep in the 10k.  I was 6th out of 34 others.  Woo-hoo!!  I am such a happy girl.  On top of that, I had no pain throughout the race.  There was some soreness and achiness but NO pain.  And, a big shout out to Kathy for placing in her age group, too!!  You go, girl!

Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that there was 80% chance of rain!  I was so dreading this.  For some reason, the rain went away and not a drop fell; the sun even came out a little.  It was perfect! 

Kent and I would like to encourage you to do what you can with what you have but never give up or give in. 

Now, go

Run 4 It

St. Patrick's Leprechaun 5k

Today's race didn't start out as I had wanted it to.  If you are my blog reader you know that I have had my up's and down's.  Though I wouldn't change a single thing from the 8k Cross Country Race in the sand last week, it definitely had its toll on me.  My right groin continues to feel pulled and my right hip and knee are bearing the brunt of it.  Thinking it would be alright for today's race...well, that didn't happen! 

I've been working on my speed and strength lately and began to maintain a 9:22 pace for 3 miles.  I was so excited as it's been a while since I've kept this for that long.  I was feeling much stronger and confident.  Then last week's race came.  I've always wanted to do a trail race though not so sure I wanted it to be solely in sand, ha.  Today's race was not a major race for me so I focused on doing what I could.  After warming up some, I realized that a good race time was not in the cards today and really felt like a walk/run was what I needed to do. 

I began to see more and more friends show up and didn't think I would see but only a couple of them.  Let me start my photos with a couple of race ones.  The first couple were Kent finishing up and one of Diane coming in. 

There was pizza, fruit and stew afterward.  Also, at the end of the room was some ice cream.  It was all good but I think the fellowship with friends topped it all off.  Here are a few pics during this time while waiting for the awards to start...which was F.O.R.E.V.E.R!!!! 

Okay...Kent and Buck were 1.) not happy, 2.) not ready, or 3.) tired of waiting for the awards to begin.  Either way, I just had to post this.  It's all good...lol.

Shortly, we found out that my friend, Mo, provided a birthday cake for her husband, Henry.  Yep...it was pretty good!  Thanks, Mo, for sharing it...and Happy Birthday, Henry. 

Many of us received awards.  The ones I remember are Mo, Irene, Jane and Norm, and I'm sure there are others I don't recall offhand.  I, personally, wasn't expecting a single thing since my run was so bad.  BUT...I received 1st place in my age group.  Susan received Senior Grand Masters and Buck received 2nd place.  Kent got overall male RW and Diane got 2nd in the RW divisions.  She is super and should r/w more often. 

A quickie friendship pic with Diane.

Here's to you, Buck.  See you at the next race!

Be safe, keep moving and go

Run 4 It

Bay to Breakfast 12k Trail Race

What can I say?  This was an absolutely beautiful weekend and everything was right for a race: cool temp, no wind and sunny.  Saturday I did my first trail race; hence, a new PR.  Right??  Of course!  It was at the Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola, FL.  It was an 8k, which equals to 5 miles to my non-running friends.  I saw where there were only two water stations and that it was recommended to bring something to drink in-between those stations.  I've never used a camel back water reservoir [okay, I can't think of the right word] but we had one and I decided to wear it.  After the last race where I needed more water than was provided on the course I didn't want to get caught without something to keep me from dehydrating like then.  Just before the race began, I donned my water and walked away from the vehicle.  Within a few steps, I could tell that it might "bounce" and that would NOT do at all.  After all, I had not tried it in a run before and I KNOW that's a big no-no to do something different in a race then what you've done before.  So, off with that thing and I took my chance and winged it!! 

We started out on pavement for about 3/4 of a mile or so, then we headed onto the trail.  I wore long pants mostly because I had read on their site to be prepared for sand burs and I definitely didn't want to "tangle" with those things; thinking long pants would protect me some, that's what I wore.  The trail consisted of mostly deep, loose sand with some grades.  Once on the trail, the fun began.  Did I say, "fun"???  Come on, all of you that did this KNOW it was fun...from the beginning!  Actually, it wasn't bad I thought to myself.  Well, it wasn't long before we were introduced to a little deeper sand.  Then the story goes without saying things only got "deeper"...no pun intended.  I've run in sand one time before and it was on the beach up close to the water where it was more "padded".  I thought THAT was hard.  This doesn't compare!  People began to spread out going their own pace as best they could.  When deep sand appeared I tried to run as steady as I could but my calves literally SCREAMED making me walk a few steps until I was out of that area and my calves calmed down.  That went back and forth throughout the race.  Good running, then deep-sand-calf-yelling running.  Marsha and I passed each other off and on until the last mile or so.  We went through one area that appeared to be marsh-like.  Boy, was it soft to run on and just about the moment you thought you could make some time you started hitting little pockets which made running more cautious so as to not turn an ankle or fall.  You were blinded to them as the grass covered them up.  Fortunately, there were some places that leveled off after this with a few grass runners here and there.  It didn't take long to realize that that's where you could actually get traction and run a little harder.  Don't get me wrong...the running harder did NOT mean longer!!  Usually after getting through those easy parts, beautiful, white sand appeared again, sometimes deeper and looser accompanied by a steep grade.  On pavement or hard ground you might not think much of the grade but when you're pushing as hard as you can to move forward UP a grade it doesn't take long to realize that you take one step up and slide back two.  Boy, was I glad to hear spectators cheering those crossing the Finish Line ahead.  I knew it was about over even if I couldn't see it yet.  I looked at the clock and was totally amazed at my time.  I had NO idea I would come in under an hour and a half but was much better than that.  It made all the heavy breathing, struggling times worth it. 

Not exactly the order of finish but it was Justin, Kim, Eric, me, Marsha, Becky, Irene and Diane.  We were all whipped, exhausted and some vowed not to do the course again!  Well......all I can say is I like a challenge.  And because it was tough and I came 28 seconds from breaking an hour, all it did for me is to assure that I would be there next year and do better hoping to clear the hour.  The girls all got together for a goofy picture [goofy? well, it's probably more like the way we REALLY felt at this moment, ha!].  I love these girls!!!  There's never a dull moment. 

No pics were taken of the post race food but it was good.  There were bagels, pancakes, bacon, breakfast burritos, fruit/granola/sorbet [my favorite], coffee and orange juice. 

We knew a couple would be getting awards.  Hanging around was easy to do because everyone was really enjoying themselves.  I was pleasantly surprised [actually shocked] to see that I had placed in my age group.  Yep...I was beside myself for sure.  Irene got 1st place, Becky got 1st and I got 3rd. 

 

About half of us received medals.  It was exciting.

Then we had to get a pic of all of us.  So, Voila [that's for you Justin...and Diane...ha!] 

Thanks, John, for taking the pic of us! 

Here is the long sleeve tee we got as well as my medal.  My time was 1:00:28.

We all left Pensacola and decided to go to The Gulf for lunch.  I wasn't hungry but it was such a gorgeous day it was exciting to think we would be sitting outside enjoying the sun, soft breeze and beautiful water.  Oh, my...what a great day it was!!  I really didn't want it to end...except that Kent was with me.  He was playing golf. 

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Last but not least, I want to share a couple of pics of the birthday girl.  My friend, Jean, had a birthday on the 4th.  Bless her heart, she has been on the injured list for a while now.  A few of us got together to celebrate her birthday.  My sweet friend, Mi, invited us to lunch at her restaurant.  We had a great time reminiscing our running together.  Here are a couple of pics.  Get well quick, Jean, we miss you!

Jean and me

Susan, Mi, Jean

I am so thankful my running is getting better...most of all, that I am feeling better and stronger.  So, for those in a slump, NEVER give up.  I know I've said this a lot but there is so much truth in it.  Keep going, do what you can and I'll see you at the next race. 

Run 4 It