Let's Do This

2020 was definitely trying in many ways...for all of us. COVID hit which changed the way we lived most all of the year. But for me personally, I've had many trials for a while. It lent itself to much pain due to Morton's neuromas in both feet which were crippling at times. I've fought those things as long as I'm going to. Nope, I'm not giving in; on the other hand, I'm going to schedule treatment on a regular basis so I can have as little downtime as possible. I won't go into detail about the other things but I'm moving forward now. 

At the end of 2020, I began Planet Fitness and was beginning to make strides but got sidetracked with issues that caused me almost three months from going. So...I'm here to say, "chin up", and "you got this". I've been back to PF for a couple weeks now and am feeling better and better. My energy levels are improving. On days I don't go to PF, I use my trusty treadmill or head outside. Also, I'm using the exercise equipment I own to provide a good workout at home. Yes, I have enough to warrant a nice workout. 

I'm working on weight loss and have lost 15 pounds since the first of the year. I still have 10+ pounds that I want to get off. My diet has been horrible consisting mostly of fried foods, sweets [my biggest downfall] and just all out overeating. Not a good, healthy lifestyle for sure!! I know better and have generally lived better but when you get on the train "speeding" in the wrong direction, it's hard to get turned around and STAY corrected without getting derailed! I have got started in the right direction in the last couple of years but couldn't maintain it...usually due to one physical issue after another stopping my exercise completely; hence, getting me going into the wrong direction again. 

I am anxious to get back to running and am making good strides in that direction. Races are now beginning to be available. Though it will take me a while to get back to racing condition, as soon as I'm able to run a 5k, I'll be heading out. And, yes, I'm eyeing distance racing by the end of the year. I just love it so! 

I've joined a few challenges to help keep me motivated and move every day at least a mile and so far, so good. I hope you find something that keeps you motivated to keep you healthy. So, as you head in the right direction I leave you with 

Heads up and go
Run 4 It

Being positive in 2020

The last couple of years have presented me with lots of challenges putting my running on the back burner. I'm up and going again...with more of "me" than ever before and starting ALL over. I'm good with that because I wouldn't have changed a thing during this time. My family is the most important thing to me and I'd do it again and again.

I've begun Weight Watchers again...yes, again! And, I hope I can stay with it until this weight comes off...OR...I begin distance running again and that should take and keep it off. Because I DO want to do my half's again. Boy, have I missed those!

For now, my main plain is to stay positive regardless what comes my way. I will admit that I'm not totally strong in this area.

We got an RV at the end of 2019 so we'll be on the road a little more than before; hence, another challenge to stay moving and eat better. We're hoping this will afford us the opportunity to do races on the MS. Gulf Coast again with that running club; which we rejoined last week. I wish I could say that this will be as easy as before but I'm going at this from the opposite direction. Before, I lost the weight, felt great, started walking, then running, then running distance.....and, now, I'm run/walking with planned races in the near future [to keep me going], feel horrible and trying to lose more weight than before. Oh, well...it is what it is! LOL.

My health has got to take priority with my running/walking second. Trying to eat correctly is going to be my biggest challenge because I'm not fully "in" yet like I was before. But, I'm trying. My reflux is bad and I've been told that weight plays an important part in this. I didn't have reflux until I gained this nasty weight.

One of my goals this year is to join monthly challenges. If the one presented isn't one that I feel I can stick with, I'll pull out one I've done in the past and do it. These are challenges and I always feel good about my accomplishment when the month is over...and stronger: mentally and physically.

I've signed up for two races a while back thinking I would be in better condition when they got here...but I'm not. One is this weekend at the Casino Bridge 5k and whether I run much or not, I'll be out there doing the best I can whatever it is. And, I'm going to put a smile on my face and take whatever I end up with. The following weekend is the Double Bridge 15k. I know, I know...how in the world am I going to do that?? Well, again, I signed up early and just "knew" I would be ready to run most of it. Now, that's not going to happen either. This is the first year on the new bridge and I'm going to do it if I have to crawl to the Finish Line. I can hardly wait. I missed it the past two years and it's one of my favorite races. I got in 6 miles last week and plan to get in at least 8 this week. Normally, I wouldn't do this because you're setting yourself up for injury but since I'll be walking more than I want to, I believe it will be alright. Yep, I'll be the tortoise. A tortoise with a big ole smile on my face...because I'll be out there. I do hope that I'll be able to do a half or two by year end with these races under my belt; that is, if I don't encounter any injuries along the way.

If and when I fail, I will not put myself down like I have so many times. I'm a beginner again and I will overcome. I will NEVER give up...no, not ever!! For those out there that may be struggling like I am, let's hold hands and know that we're not alone. So, let's get out there and

Run 4 It

2018 Recap

Seems like all of a sudden the 2018 year is ending. Though it didn't go like I had hoped it would, I'm thankful to end the year better than it could have been. Looking back over this year and the last, I am amazed that I did so much. Really thought it was awful...but I kept on going...and before I knew it things were accomplished even if it was later than the deadline. Most things were done with pain or injury.

This year has definitely been a trial...the entire year. Below are some of the things that I accomplished along with the injuries and pains I experienced.

Challenges Completed:
Jesus Virtual, /Spring 150, Summer 175, Fall 200, Winter 175........Monthly: Hula Hoop, Arm Circles [more than once], Planks [more than once] and Squats.

Rocking Boot Camp.

600.25 miles Run
49.92 miles Biked

Injuries/Pains:
Hip and elbow [first of the year], both knees after riding bike with seat too low [12 miles] [spring], Morton's Neuroma in left foot [fall/winter].

Races:
Casino Bridge 5k
Bloody Mary 5k
Don McCloskey 5k
Shrimp Festival 5k
Run for Hope 5k
Battleship 12k [lots of pain]
Seville Quarter Turkey Trot 5k
MS Gulf Coast Half [lots of pain]

I wanted so much more; for one thing not to be hurt nearly the whole year. On the other hand, I am thankful for all that was accomplished. As I get ready to close the book on 2018, I will actually remember it fondly. Yes, fondly. After all, it added another square to my quilt and made me more of who I am [stronger].

There are several things I would like to achieve in 2019. After getting my foot well, I hope to do more good things. I'll add these Goals and Achievements to my blog once things get better cause I don't know how long that will be. I want to encourage each and every one of you to never give up...keep on going...because...

Battleship 12k and "Another" Issue

Let me start by saying I've been building my miles each week and doing well. It was a run/walk but I was determined to do the plan I had been using for half marathon training. Then last Monday........my left foot became so painful I could hardly stand it. For over a year, the toes on my left foot would go to sleep, tingle, go numb followed by pain. Monday was the end of the rope. Very shortly after I began, the numbness and pain began, skipping the sleep and tingle stage. I had 9 miles to do. This process leading up to pain usually starts after about 5 miles. I finished my mileage; and the first thing I did when I got home was call a Sports Medicine doctor for an appointment. Luckily, they were able to get me in on Thursday; I was afraid it would take a couple of weeks. X-rays didn't show a fracture but it wasn't ruled out since they are hard to detect on x-rays. Upon examination, he pressed on the bottom of my left foot underneath the 3rd toe and I thought I was going to go through the roof; it hurt SO bad. He touched the exact spot and hardly pressed at all. There was also pain between the 3rd and 4th toes. The diagnosis I was given was Morton's Neuroma. I had been looking on the Internet and thought it might be that. I have hardly been able to walk during the week. I was given some pads to put in my shoes. I tried to use them and either I can't get it "right" or they don't work. I don't know. I posted on Facebook about it and got some good comments including which shoes that are good for MN.

As the week went along, we found that there are things you can do to help: to include new shoes or special inserts. But one thing we saw is that you can cut a hole at the spot where the neuroma is to relieve the pressure. We took one pair of shoes I hardly wore [though new] and Kent did that...and you know...it worked!! So I put them on and did a trial run on Saturday morning to see if I should do the Battleship 12k the following day. Up until then, I thought it was just donated money and a new shirt.

The Race
The day before I headed straight for Running Wild to check out some Altra running shoes. The first pair felt good. Tried on the Torin Knit 3.5 and I thought I had died and gone to heaven! They felt amazing! I went outside and jogged down the block and back and was sold. These will be the next pair I own. I wore them out and the rest of the time to give them a good "try" and see if I still liked them. All I could think of was why didn't I go check these out before now. I never wear or try anything new the day of a race. With the zero foot drop, I was a tiny bit sore from wearing them that afternoon. But at least I had the shoes Kent "fixed" that I could wear at the race.

The main thing was...I was going to race and I was hardly able to get out of my recliner until two days before. Several things made that day special. One was that I was actually going to try to finish the race [with lots of walking, of course], see a lot of friends from my hometown in Mississippi and see my local friends. And, today, I was actually at the Starting Line getting ready to do the race.

I was able to connect with Deleica and Krista and chat some before the race. It was SO good to see them. Temp was in the low 40's but clear, no rain and very little wind. Perfect!

Deleica, Kathy, Me and Krista

I got to thinking that my "local" friends were there, too, and started looking around for them. Well, there they were about 20' from us. So, I got to visit with them a few minutes. Then, all of a sudden, the dang cannon went of to start us; it caught me by total surprise. Without thinking, I started my watch and nowhere near the timing mat. So crazy, ha!

I was hoping for and shooting for being able to run the first mile. It was mostly downhill and thought that would help. I had to try real hard not to run hard as I normally would have as I didn't know if I could even finish the race with my foot problem. The first mile was a breeze; so I kept going...and going...and going. Before I knew it I had RUN a 5k [3.1 miles] without stopping. I took it real slow and it was easy. Toward the end of the 4th mile, my foot started wanting attention; my toes started feeling like they were going numb. So, I slowed down but kept running. By the 6th mile...yes, I said SIX miles!!!!]...it was getting worse. I told myself if I could to a 10k [6.2 miles] I would be happy, VERY happy. Well, it eased up; then I thought slow down more and maybe I could make it entirely. No way, right?? It wasn't long after reaching the 10k mark that my foot started getting painful. Surely, I can make it...surely, I can ignore this, focus on others around me and the Finish Line and listen to my music more intently...surely, this would just "go away". Unfortunately, that didn't happen. After we turned off the road into the Battleship Park, they directed us onto the grass in front of the park. Grass??? NOOOOOO!! The third step I took just about took me down!! Extreme pain! I began walking but really wanted to run; it was run a few steps and walk a few. My ankles have never been strong and I am very tenderfooted; with those things weighing against me I just didn't stand a chance in running it all with already flared up foot pain. I was SO close! Every step my foot made hit that very tender neuroma!! I actually yelled out once and a lady came up behind me asking if I needed help...even to get aid for me; but as a strong-willed runner, I told her no, but thanks and that "I was going to finish this". We high-fived and she went on. Several people were complaining big time about the grass; how it was hard for your footing, slippery and muddy. I felt like I wasn't the only one suffering. Just very hard to run it. MANY were walking. I admire those that aren't affected by things like this, I really do. I can't say how far this part was but I'd guess it was almost a half mile. A lady I came up next to just before getting on the concrete was so discouraged. She was struggling so hard trying to get through the grass. I encouraged her as much as I could and challenged her to run hard when we hit the pavement. When we got to the concrete, I stepped out on it and felt good again. I tore out running as fast as I could trying to make up as much as I could even though I had lost so much time in that section. We ran together the rest of the way. My encouraging her to run harder and harder pushed me to do the same. It felt great!

Well, the race was totally different that I had foreseen. Running was not an objective to achieve but a method to get from start to finish whenever I could do it. I had a negative split....IN REVERSE...ha! My speed got longer and longer due to the pain but I see this race as a huge success.

#1: I actually made it TO the race.
#2: Met up with friends I had hope to see from my home town.
#3: Caught up with local friends.
#4: Best and foremost: I ran it ALL except for a very little bit [maybe a .25 mile total].

I am super excited. It was worth the pain I endured. There's nothing like finishing strong...which is my motto. That and "Never Give Up". Here are some photos taken. Enjoy...

I love the long sleeve shirt...and my name on the bib.

This is the back. 

Then I found out these are the runners' names. I hope you can see mine; it's the best pic I could get.

I love the medal. It had glittery parts to it.

I hope you can read this. It's beautifully written.

Deleica looking good and strong.

I'm nearing the Finish Line...not much further to go.

We were given this just before entering the Park. 

Real touching when you run so close to these flags! 

Finishing strong...AND am "off the ground". Wow! Always love this! 

Finishing friends: Krista, Kathy, JoAnn, Nestor, Me and Deleica

I've missed this crazy guy. 

Marsha and Me. Love this girl!!

We looked through the park some. It's really a nice memorial park for local military. Next time we'll go through the ship and other things.

Flags from different countries our military fought in the Korean War.

It was a great day. Thanks for hanging in there with me in this long post. I had more pictures but chose these to not bore everyone with all I had. I love running and am glad that I'm gradually getting back to it. I really hope these new shoes will do me good. Until next time, go

Run 4 It