Race for Grace 5k & Week

This has been a good week.  The temps have been nice for running and looks like it won't be long before it stays cooler.  This equates to enjoyable runs...as long as it doesn't start freezing!  Okay...what can I say?  I like it perfect...according to me, ha! 

Ran 6 miles on Wednesday with each mile run faster than the previous.  Ran 6 more on Friday and it felt even better with each mile better again.  I'm loving those negative splits!!  Needing to get my miles in, I decided to make the race on Saturday a "training" run instead of a race.  BUT...I felt good, the temp was cooperating and those "running bugs" attacked and I ran harder than I had planned.  That was okay.  I did feel good for the first time in a very long time.  This is the second race I've done since spring and the last one was miserable with heat and humidity. 

I've been training for the Jazz Half coming up in a couple of weeks and am quite perplexed right now.  I've been getting in my miles but at the same time I do not feel prepared.  I know this doesn't make sense but I don't feel ready.  There is one more week to run a long one before cutting back for the race the following week.  Having time on my feet should be preparation enough and with it being in New Orleans...well...what can I say?  It's GOT to be entertaining!  Now, on to my race report...

Race for Grace 5k
I was excited about this race for a couple of reasons.  One, I wanted to meet my FB friend, Gina Mooney, who I feel like I know through our many posts and constant support.  The first thing that struck me was that she was taller than I expected.  For some reason, I had in my mind that she was short and tiny.  She's tall, thin and as beautiful as her pictures show her to be.  Gina, you did a fantastic job as race director!  I know it's hard work and everything went well.  So good to see you.

Second, I was excited about racing again.  Yeah...for the first time in a long time, I was looking forward to racing again.  Though I had run 6 miles the day before when I usually rest the day before a race, I decided to use this race as a training run.  Well...I met in the middle and ran harder but not as hard as I could have.  This race gave me the distance I needed to get in my 25 miles I shoot for each week.  I don't always make it but this week I got in 26.65 miles.  I'm happy with that. 

It was so good to see Audrey, Raul and Sherri & Gary D., who we haven't seen in over a year!!!  I'm so thankful for Facebook cause I stay in touch with so many friends, like these.  I've really missed visiting with them at races.  I had forgotten how much I enjoyed running on the Long Leaf Trace.  Yeah...it's been over a year since I've run there, too.  Kent was feeling much better by Saturday and was able to racewalk again.  He's had a tough "row to hoe" lately and it's not over yet...just another step for now and we're looking forward to a better 2013. 

Here are some pics that were taken by us and our faithful photographer, Frank B.  Races would be left up to just those that attend and their memories if not for him!  Thanks so much!!

Raul and I wore the same Half Marathon Rock 'n Roll shirt from 2010! How odd we thought to pull out the same one to wear.  Great minds think alike!

And, off we go!

Kent...almost there.

Another shot of him coming in strong. Raul & me cheering him in.

Pushing it at the end.

Feeling good and strong...the way I love to feel at the end of a race.  I've missed you "good feeling"!!

Our friend, Tom Smith, getting his medal.

Kent won 1st Place Overall Racewalker. So proud...he's had a tough couple of weeks and wasn't even sure he could just walk it, much less racewalk it, which is soooo much harder.

Receiving my 1st Place medal and $15 gift certificate to a new local running store, Runner's High.

Kent & I with our medals.  Thanks, Shelby, for taking this pic.

It was a great day and we both left happy with our results and many nice visits. It was so good to see our sweet granddaughter, Shelby Headrick.   It was a total surprise to see her and we loved having her cheer us on at the Finish Line!!!

So what's stopping you?? Now put on some shoes and go

Run 4 It

5k For Katlyn

It was an exciting day Saturday when I ran my first 5k since February!  Yep, February!!  Whether I was up to speed on my running or not, I was determined to run this one to support Katlyn's family and help with their medical bills. Katlyn is 14 and was in an ATV accident this summer and suffered brain damage. She has had numerous issues to deal with that probably 100% of the rest of us will never experience or understand. Just about 10 days ago she was released from the hospital and is now recuperating at home. My race today was not for me...it was to praise God Who has seen fit to continue to use Katlyn to do His will. 

The race was held at West Ellisville Baptist Church in and around the area; it started and ended there.  Not long after we turned the corner, the climb began along a rough road.  There were small hills that were in the first half of the course. The announcer had warned us of the roads and to be careful and, boy, was he right.  As a matter of fact, one of my friends, Angie, fell at the beginning of the race. 

For those that haven't experienced a fall...this really hurts...OUCH! But the race went on.

My Garmin had been hard reset the day before and I thought it was ready. Glancing at it off and on the distance reading kept showing a very long 5k. Really discouraged that maybe it hadn't been measured right, I probably didn't push as I should have. So I thought when I got to the Finish Line I would at least smile at the camera and end the race happily. This did NOT happen!! The camera quit just before I got there! I didn't realize it until later. I ran to the car to get my camera to try to catch Kent and friends crossing the line. Of course, by then the camera was cooperating. I felt so bad for Frank because he feverishly worked and worked on the thing. What stress he must have been under!!

Here are my friends, Serina and Deleica, coming in strong with Kent right behind them a few steps. This is NOT a good pic of him because he was walking very strong and this "snap" was not timed good to catch the action.

Toward the end of the race, I began hearing "here comes Katlyn" and I honestly thought she was going to appear in a wheelchair.  Immediately, there were cheers, smiles and lots of clapping.  My eyes and heart were overwhelmed at what was happening. Coming around the corner, I saw Katlyn and her Mom (Tasha) running...yep, I said running...to the Finish Line.  It brought tears to my eyes as I watched what God had done and is doing in this young lady and her family's life.  She can hardly walk and there she was running the last tenth of the mile.  All I could think of is all the pettiness I let enter my life when God is waiting to do something so amazing and now I'm seeing it happen in Katlyn.  God is so good.

I knew this wasn't going to be my best race but I ran the best I could considering the heat, humidity and terrain. It was a good race, but a little tough one. Folks, you have to get going again regardless of whether it's your "best" day or not. 

Awards time came and I secured the Grandmasters Award.  I was so excited!  The GM awards are getting a little further away from me since I'm going UP the age range and many stronger, younger runners are entering it.  Actually, they had my gender wrong and I placed in the men's age group!   I was a little perturbed about it at first since "female" was on my registration and on my bib tab; but then I got to thinking.  Hmmmm...I placed in the MEN's age group.  Now, that was something, ha!!  Sadly, being considered a "male" has happened to me before.  Think I'm gonna start using my middle name to differentiate male and female to those that aren't familiar with me.  Here are a couple of pictures with the trophy, which I'll treasure because it has Katlyn's name on it.

Love this pic of us

Those that stayed to have a group pic with Katlyn

Gary came up late and missed the group pic but got one with his trophy

And now a few shots with friends.

Several things didn't go well but all-in-all I was okay with it cause, after all, it wasn't about me today. Don't let how you feel keep you from racing with friends! If you've not been running well, as I have, or whether you're just annoyed with life...put on your shoes and get out there and

Run 4 It,
Robbie

Lots to Race

I know it's been a while since I've written but honestly there's not been much to say. My running is feeling so much better but I've got to get back on "pace". As you may have noticed, I've updated the Upcoming Races in the right-hand column. I know, I know...there have been a ton added. And, I won't be able to participate in all of the half marathons I want to do since there are some that are pretty close together. But since I'm not sure which I'll sign up for yet, I added them for my reference.

Thinking of upcoming races is so exciting! I haven't truly raced since February except for the 2-mile race I did in July. It was very hot and I did hit a new state record in that one. Probably wouldn't have raced then since I'm not a summer racer except that this was a short one and the possibility of reaching a state record was a big deciding factor. 2012 really left it's mark on my racing career. Actually, both of us. We've raced less this year than ever. So many things, particularly health related, that stole them from us. But we survived/surviving. With cooler temps and a past of bronchitis that plagued me for months, I'm getting excited about racing again. As a matter of fact, the excitement has already begun while preparing for races I want to do. Woo-hoo!!

I've decided to plan races differently. I want to add some DURING my training for the longer races. Usually I back out of those because I don't want to take a chance in getting hurt. As you know, racing kicks in that adrenaline and you push/run harder than you normally would. But I'm going to embrace the "fear" of this and enjoy racing all the way around. Of course, it wasn't until I realized I loved the longer races that this cutting back occurred. Now, I want to see what I've got throughout the training so as to strengthen my long runs instead of tiptoeing around it. I really miss running well in the 5ks...REALLY miss it!

I've gotten in some good daily runs lately. One being on the OS Bridge last week. The weather was cool and I felt great. It was my best run ever on it, across and back. The following day I ran the BSL Bridge which is further. I didn't expect to do it as well since the first one was tough and I had run hard but I was fine with it. This is something I'd wanted to do for a long time...back-to-back bridge runs on these two. One alone is a good run but to do both within 24 hours was a goal I wanted to achieve and did it. I paid for this though...two days later, I was still sore. BUT...I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Another week and we'll see how things will be looking for us. There's a medical issue that we're dealing with right now and I'm hoping it will be taken care of soon...real soon...so that we will be back on top by the end of the year. Got to work on "regular" speedwork. So much to do with 90% of it fun. Fall is waiting for you, too, so get out there and

Run 4 It
Robbie

The Heat's On

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

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

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

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

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

Finally...And TWO Surprises To Boot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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

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

Run 4 It

Ups & Downs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Run 4 It

Psychological or Personal??

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

Winning is Personal
By Richard Ferguson, Ph.D.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Run 4 It

Slow, But Sure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Run 4 It

Fall, Funeral, Fun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shelby and Bailey coming in to the Finish Line

Me and Kyra taking the last few strides

Me, Serina and Deleica after the race

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

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

A final picture of all us girls.


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

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

Run 4 It

Azalea Trail 10k

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

A couple of pre-race pics.

MiHyang, Gary T. and me.


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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

Run 4 It

Got the Munchies?

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

Signs of Overtraining

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

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

Attacked!

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

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

Kids Need Heroes 5k

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

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

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

Also one of us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Run 4 It

Tough is Good

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Run 4 It

Sweetheart 5k

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

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

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


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


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


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

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