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



Monday, November 29, 2010

Half Time & Great Resistance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Kaiser Half Marathon-Winner!!

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

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

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



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

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


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


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


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


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

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


Here are some things I got for winning, too.


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

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


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

Monday, November 22, 2010

Go or Slow...NO

Just Focus!!

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Mayor's Cup 5k

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Week in Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Scottish 5k Festival

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

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

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



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

2019 Races

  • 05/11/19...9.38 mile Good Life Ride
  • 04/13/19...Raven 5k
  • Dec. 15 - Mar. 8 2019...175 Mile Challenge
  • 02/16/19...Sweetheart 5k
  • 01/19/19...Casio Bridge 5k...DND

2018 Races

12/09/18...MS Gulf Coast Half Marathon
12/01/18...Honeybee 5k (cancelled-weather)
11/17/18...Seville Quarter Turkey Trot 5k
11/11/18...Battleship 12k
10/20/18...Hope Haven Run for Hope 5k
10/13/18...Shrimp Festival 5k
09/29/18...Don McCloskey 5k
09/01/18...Bloody Mary 5k
01/27/18...Casino Bridge 5k

Through December...200 Mile Fall Challenge
Through August...175 Mile Spring Challenge
Through June...150 Mile Spring Challenge

2018 Goals

Bike 500 miles.
Improve gear shifting.
Strength training 2 hours/week.
Run 600 miles.
Improve running without walking.
No processed sugar 75% of time.
Improve positive thinking.
NEVER give up!

2017 Races

  • 12/10/17...MS Coast Half
  • 12/09/17...MS Coast 5k
  • 11/25/17...Kaiser Half
  • 11/18/17...Wild Turkey Trot 5k
  • 11/11/17...Rotary Oyster 5k
  • 10/14/17...Shrimp Festival 10k
  • 02/18/17...Sea Turtle Half
  • 02/04/17...Double Bridge 15k
  • 01/29/17...Big Beach Half

2017 Bike Rides

  • 10/01/17...Southern Magnolia Ride [25.85]
  • 05/13/17...Good Life Ride [26]

Series

  • MS Coast Double Down...5k & Half
  • Run The Beach...3 Half's

2017 Goals

  • Back-to-Back Races [Done]
  • 3 Half Marathons [Done +1]
  • 1,000 Miles-No
  • First Half Marathon Series [3 Done]
  • Work on core/strength 2-3 times a week-No
  • Lose 25 pounds-No
  • NEVER give up! YES!!
  • Control/Eliminate refined sugars-Good

2016 Races

  • 10/15/16...Shrimp Festival 5k
  • 05/30/16...Fiesta Five Flags 5k
  • 03/19/16...Azalea Trail 10k
  • 03/13/16...St. Pat's Leprechaun 5k
  • 03/05/16...Bay to Breakfast 12k...1st trail race
  • 02/20/16...Sea Turtle Half
  • 02/13/16...Double Bridge 15k

2016 Goals

  • Run 1,000 miles-Done
  • Bike 300 miles
  • Half Marathon-Done
  • Eat fruit daily
  • Push through the hard times-Done
  • Cut back on refined sugar

2015 Races

  • 12/19/15...Make It To The Line 4 Miler
  • 11/21/15...Wild Turkey Trot 5k
  • 11/14/15...Oyster 5k
  • 10/10/15...Shrimp Festival 5k
  • 05/30/15...PHind a Cure-W/D
  • 05/02/15...Fiesta Five Flags 5k
  • 04/18/15...Zydeco 5k - W/D
  • 04/??/15...Virtual Remember the Fallen 5k
  • 04/??/15...Virtual Boston Strong 5k
  • 04/11/15...Magnolia 5k
  • 03/28/15...Azalea Trail 10k
  • 03/07/15...Circle K 5k
  • 03/01/15...Gulf Coast Lulu's 10k
  • 02/28/15...Sweetheart 5k
  • 02/07/15...Double Bridge 15k

2015 Goals

  • 1 Half Marathon
  • Eat fruit daily
  • Overlook past failures
  • Push through the hard times/things

2014 Races

  • 12/06/14...St. Jude's Half Marathon
  • 08/16/14...Pinky 5k Virtual
  • 08/15/14...Howl @ the Moon 10k Virtual
  • 02/15/14...Sweetheart 5k
  • 02/01/14...Double Bridge 15k

2014 Goals

  • 1 Half Marathon
  • 700 Running Miles
  • Strengthen my Upper Body
  • Recuperate, Recover, Renew
  • Get active in WW
  • Eat Fruit Daily
  • Start Clean Eating
  • Begin Eliminating Sugar from Diet

2013 Races

11-30-13...Stennis 5k
11-23-13...Turkey Trot 5k
11-08-13...Run For The Kids Virtual Half [St. Jude's]
10-12-13...Shrimp Festival 5k
09-22-13...Talladega Half
07-04-13...Wesson 2 Miles
06-29-13...Emz Liverpalooza 5k
05-18-13...Pursuit of Fun 5k
04-20-13..Warrior Dash
04-07-13...Gulf Coast Half-Pensacola
03-23-13...Azalea Trail 10k
03-10-13...Leprechaun 5k
02-24-13...NOLA Marathon
02-02-13...Double Bridge 15k-Pensacola
01-13-13....Gulf Coast Half-Lulu's

2013 Goals

  • 3 Half Marathons-Done-Plus 1
  • 1 Marathon-Done
  • 1000 Running Miles-No, due to RC Tendonitis & Broken Shoulder
  • Eat fruit daily-A little aggressive but better
  • Maintain weight in 130's-Did NOT happen!

2012 Races

12-08-12...FloraBama Jingle Bell 5k
11-24-12...Jingle Bell 10k
11-17-12...Turkey Trot 5k
10-27-12...Jazz Half
10-20-12...OS Rotary 5k
10-13-12...Race for Grace 5k
09-29-12...5k For Katlyn
07-04-12...Wesson 2 Mile
04-15-12...Gulf Coast Half...[Withdrew-bronchitis]
04-14-12...Diversity Dash 5k
03-24-12...Azalea Trail 10k
03-03-12...MS50 20k...[Withdrew-bronchitis]
02-25-12...Kids Need Heroes 5k
02-11-12...Sweetheart 5k
02-04-12..Double Bridge 15k
01-14-12...Pensacola Half



2012 Goals

  • 1 Full Marathon-Marine Corp filled up
  • 3 Half Marathons-2 Down-Sick had to drop 2
  • 20 Miles-Wkly Mileage-Bronchitis kept me from this
  • Cross Training 2x Week-Poor Commitment
  • Weekly Weights W/O-Again Poor Commitment

2011 Races

  • 11-26-11...Kaiser Half
  • 11-19-11...Turkey Trot 5k
  • 11-11-11...Thumbs Up for Bill 5k
  • 11-05-11...Senior Bowl 10k
  • 10-22-11...Running the Streets 5k
  • 10-15-11...Shrimp Festival 10k
  • 10-08-11...Mullet Run 5k
  • 09-24-11...Waiting for a Cure 8k
  • 09-05-11...Labor Your Legs 5k
  • 07-04-11...Wesson 2 Miles
  • 06-04-11...Bay Fest 5k
  • 05-14-11...Stargazer 5k
  • 04-30-11...Fiesta 5 Flags 5k
  • 04-16-11...St. Benedict's 5k
  • 04-10-11...Gulf Coast Half
  • 03-26-11...Azalea Trail 10k
  • 03-19-11...St. Patrick's 5k
  • 03-05-11...Eco 5k
  • 02-13-11...Mardi Gras Marathon

Secrets to Running a 5k

Here is an excellent site for those who have thought about running a 5k race but just hadn't made that move yet. There's tips, directions and even a section on what to wear. If you have never run a race, you are missing out on a lot of fun. You will have support from most everyone you meet. Now for the site...click here to change your life and get started!

Free Online Health Calculators & Nutritional Databases

* Calories Burned Calculator - you choose the activity, total minutes doing the activity, and your weight.
* Target Heart Rate Calculator - you choose the activity, total minutes doing the activity, and your weight.
* Food Database - you type in the food category, the food and the nutritional label will come up.
* Weight Maintenance Calculator for Women - you input the info and the calculator will come up with the amount of calories to maintain your weight.
* Weight Maintenance Calculator for Men - same as for women.
* Body Mass Index - find out your BMI with this calculator.
* Healthy Weight Calculator for Women - determines your healthy weight for your height.
* Healthy Weight Calculator for Men - same as for women.
* The Longevity Game - a fun question and answer game that finishes with your "lifestyle" and how long you'll live. [I finished with a great 93 years of age!!]