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

Trail Running

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

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

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



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

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

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

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


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

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

It's That Time of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

Olympian Sightings...And Another Half

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



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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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



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

Run 4 It!

Pensacola Turkey Trot 5k & Athlete Focus

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

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

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





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

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


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



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


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


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


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

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

Run4It

Thumbs Up for Bill 5k

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


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

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

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

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




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

Senior Bowl 10k

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

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


Helllllooo, everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fall is here...

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

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

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

Hit & Run

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

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

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

Running in the Streets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Going up to get my award:

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

Here's Kent with his award:

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


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


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

Shrimp Festival Races

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

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

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

Great job, Honey!

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

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

State Record!!!

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

Mullet 5k & More

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

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

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

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


The awards were made by children in the art community.

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

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

Run 4 It,
My Friends