Turkey Trot 5k

I'm a little late getting this post out as we've been on the road back and forth due to Thanksgiving.  So let me recap this race.  This race was on Saturday, 11/17/12.

We ran this Pensacola race last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.  This year we were dry...yep, it rained throughout the race making it colder than we wanted it to be.  Yay for the sun this year!  We really enjoy running Pensacola races.  Being mostly flat makes it easy to push yourself, and having the gorgeous scenes all around you, as most we've run are along the beach or across bridges, just bathes your mind and puts it in a peaceful state.  Oh, the memories we've had and plan on enjoying in the future.  This race was no different. 

Not long after starting, we hit the beach road and ran there for a good bit of the race.  Being an out and back, we got to enjoy the beach's beauty for a while.  The wind was a little gusty but you just have to love the beauty we had to take our minds off of it...and after all, the beach always has SOME kinda breeze going on.  Many wore shorts and I'm thinking that they removed their long pants before the race because the temp was definitely cool enough for long pants and we didn't see that many shorts before it started.  Here is our pic after we went inside to warm up after the race. 

Here's Kent coming in to the Finish Line.  He did well in his race. 

While we were inside enjoying the warmth and getting refreshments, we enjoyed really good turkey chili.  Okay...we were demolishing this second bowl here along with some fruit...someone knows how to cook chili here.  Yummm!!

We love the reason for this race.  They provide as many Thanksgiving meals as they can with the money.  The ones that 'need' food are able to pick up an entire meal with a whole turkey to take home and enjoy with their families with dignity.  I'm so glad to be a part of this because we are so blessed!!  This year they provided 139 full meals!  Now, we're ALL winners here. 

After enjoying our meals, the awards began.  Everyone that won the top medals were awarded with a huge turkey to cook for Thanksgiving.  Kent received 1st place in his age group and I did, too.  I was surprised because I wasn't looking for anything because I've gotten a little slower than I use to [okay...I'm not training like I use to either NOR eating well ALL the time]. 

Oh, yeah...the lady in black standing behind me were giving out Wild Turkey shots [see the man in the front with his] to every winner.  And, for those that may be wondering...NO, we didn't partake.  Gave mine to the director on the left behind me. 

Instead of receiving race shirts this year, they gave large, zippered, insulated totes.  I really liked them but not sure if we'll need two.  One should hold more than we would need; guess we have one when that one wears out.  They appear to be quite durable, too.

All in all, we love this race and hope to do it next year.  I love the fact that you have a place to go inside and warm up if it is cold outside. 

If you didn't do a Turkey Trot somewhere during Thanksgiving, then you better get off that couch and

Run 4 It...
You have nothing to lose but unwanted pounds gained!  And, yes, you probably did...we all did.

Jazz Half = Fun = New PR

This half marathon was different from any I've done before.  This is my 7th and thought I'd learned all there is to know on basically flat races.  All my long training runs were not good and I was afraid I would have to walk some.  Actually, I only had one long run that was a solid run and it was my last one.  Thankfully, it was 12 miles.  I'll have to say that I was soooo not looking forward to this race and just wanted to get it over!!  Yep, this can and does happen.  At least, I had miles on my legs and should be ready strength-wise. 

Secondly, this was my first "girls trip" and I have to admit I was a bit anxious.  It's been a looong time since I'd been to a slumber party and I didn't know what to expect.  Sweet Deleica, who got us all together to race this one, did a fantastic job in getting a very nice hotel room close to the race start and finish, as well as to downtown so we could walk every where we wanted to. 

Thirdly, this is the first race, and a half marathon at that, that I did without Kent at my side at the end.  All in all, I was a little bit on edge until each thing was checked off the list.  As these happened, I became more relaxed.  That is, when we woke up the next morning and didn't oversleep, ha! 

When we got there, we headed on over to get our race packet and take it to the hotel.  Here is a pic of Devon, Serina [who met us there with her family], me and Deleica.  We were so disappointed in our shirts.  Oh, they were nice tech shirts and we liked the design but they HAD to be youth sizes!!!  Not a single person could come close to fitting into their shirts and that's AFTER we had asked for a larger size.  This was pathetic, to say the least.  I really felt sorry for Devon, the one on the left, as this was her first half marathon and now she will not get to enjoy wearing her shirt. 

After this, we hit the streets...well...maybe that's not the proper word for New Orleans; but we did start out walking from the hotel, down several streets, through the French Quarter [where we partook of wonderful Beignets-you've GOT to have some of those when you go to NOLA] and on to getting dinner.  We ate at Mulate's where we were entertained by an eccentric band using instruments that people used over 50 years ago, like an accordian, washboard and a kazoo type thing.

I got a grilled chicken po-boy.  Just couldn't see going to NOLA and not getting some of their fantastic bread!!  I am NOT a bread eater but I can't resist theirs.  I really kinda worried about the eating the night before the race.  I mean I stick with pasta in every long race I've done.  As a matter of fact, I'm just now getting to where I'm loosening up on this "rule" when it comes to 5k's.  Hoping I didn't overload on protein and cause any stomach ills during the race, I rested in what was going to happen was going to happen.  And, it was really, really good.  Here is a pic of my meal.  Doesn't it look delish??  Devon and Deleica's pic follows.  They got blackened fish and it looked good, too.

We tried to sleep but as with most runners, sleep usually evades you when you need it most.  But when you get up for the day, the butterflies start fluttering.  I loved that our names were on our race bibs.  We dressed in costume, too.

 







Here we are all huddled up before the race for a quick photo.  It started at the break of dawn so it was still dark here.  Also, the wind was quite strong at the first and end of the race making the temps feel so much colder than what it was.  See my hair?? 

As the race started, I focused on my own race and tried to keep an eye on my pace.  I was so afraid I was going to start out too fast and peter out at the end.  I felt so good...the best I'd felt for a race in a very long time.  I noticed off and on that my pace was faster than it should be and I "tried" to slow down; but again, I really felt good and thought I'd run my race as I felt with some caution on my speed.  The course was really pretty and I enjoyed every bit of it.  The roads were not the NOLA roads I was familiar with in past races.  These were nice and, yes, there was construction off and on throughout.  Photographers were all along the route taking pics.  Though I was sent the link to mine, I couldn't get them copied to put them on my blog...ugh!  [Well, I don't take good pics anyhow.]  Anyway, I had begun to pick up my speed at the 10-11 miles and as I got to the 12th, I sped up a little more.  I came up to the 13th mile and knew I only had .10 to go.  Then, I saw the clock in the distance.  I felt great and looked at the clock; I had gotten a PR!!!!  Oh, my!!  I had not expected to see that. 

When I got something to eat, I sat down and looked at my watch again thinking that I had mis-looked at the numbers.  With my phone in one hand, dialing Kent as fast as I could, I couldn't believe that this had really happened.  I was almost hyperventilating, I was so excited...really!  I thought I had beat my PR by a lot more at first; but...I STILL had a PR by 53 seconds!!!  That's almost a minute and I had about decided that I wouldn't get another PR in a half marathon...that I had peaked.  Well, here's my info:  http://www.jazzhalf.com/results/2012/half-marathon?first_name_op=starts&first_name=Robbie&last_name_op=starts&last_name=Headrick&division= I, also, came in 9th out of 43 ladies in MY age group alone.  That is a great thing by itself in such a big race.  There were 2083 runners and I came in 1078th.  There were lots to eat after the race: chicken/sausage pasta, chili dogs, Blue Bell ice cream and drink. The only thing I thought was unusual was I saw NO fruit at the end of the race. 

This was an amazing race and weekend to say the least.  Thoroughly enjoyed being with the girls, great food and nice race festivities and I worried over nothing.  I left so stoked I was probably intolerable to be around, ha!  I loved every exciting, unnerving moment.  One thing I learned from this half that I will take with me in the future is that always do your long runs as scheduled even if you have to/need/or do walk some.  The time on your legs will make them strong and all of this WILL pay off in the end.  And, second, to keep a positive attitude.  Do NOT let a single negative thought enter your mind that you don't have a postive one to replace it with before it takes root.  I never would have believed it, but I do now.  So, if you're thinking you're not prepared but yet you've done as your program says, have faith in your training, keep your head up and nurse a positive attitude.  It will pay off.  After all, not everyone can run 13 miles!!  Now, go

Run 4 It

OS Rotary 5k

First and foremost I want to share what one of my intentions was in this race.  It was to run in honor of Erin Dunston, my FB friend, who is a survivor of breast cancer.  With that said, here is my picture [I know...it's a bad one] with my button on before we left for the race.  Go Erin!! Second, I wanted to use this race as speedwork/hillwork for my upcoming half next weekend.

When we got there, there were so many people milling around. Different from this race a couple of years ago. It was fun seeing all the costumes. As we picked up our packets, I saw Nancy P. It was nice to see her and I wanted to give her a "real" hug and congratulate her in person since she has done her first and second triathlon in about a month's time!! I'm so proud of her. She's worked hard, even learning how to swim this summer. 

I looked in the bag to see what our shirts looked like; that's always exciting to see.  We were to wear something reflective since we'd be running in the dark; therefore the reflective vest you see above.  BUT...when I saw the shirt we got, I stripped off the one I had on and put that one on.  I've never raced in a brand new shirt before.  It was a neon orange tech shirt.  I LOVE it!! 

I decided to run without my iPod this time mostly due to it being at night and I wanted to be alert to anyone yelling out a danger ahead of me; and I wanted to focus more on the placement of my feet so as not to trip, step in a hole, turn my ankle or fall over my own two feet. The Jazz Half is next week and I wasn't shooting for a PR in this race anyhow. So I took it easy. Another reason I ran easy was that this course is a tough one...can you spell H.I.L.L.Y.??? Wow...it was hard. With no music to distract me from the sounds of other runners breathing hard, their footstrikes and all the jingling and sounds of their Halloween costumes, it made it even tougher. This is one reason I love my iPod! It hides the sounds of running, whether it's mine or others around me and keeps me focused on MY race. But this is good to run without it occasionally. Now, to leave my Garmin at home once in a while...hmmmmmm...really don't see that one happening but miracles do occur. I'm such a tech-freak! I'm trying to do better. 

One thing that was different from most races, including this one that I ran a couple of years ago, is the crowd support.  It was so nice to have strangers cheer you on throughout the entire race. I really enjoyed that. Thanks, everyone!! It helped pull me up those hills.  I heard off and on from others how much it meant to them, too.

I thought the last mile would never come. Boy, it seemed like it just went on and on. I was never so excited to see a finisher's clock as I was this night. On top of that, you could smell that woooonnnderrrrfuuuulll Shed's BBQ!!! Oh, my...I could hardly wait to get my sandwich AND it didn't disappoint!  It was sooooo good. I'd have pics of them but this photographer doesn't do night pics well AT ALL!! You'll see.

Ran up with Bob C. before the race and chatted and then again after the race.  I had NO idea where he was in the race.  He's usually just ahead of me but it was dark and there were several places that it was as black as a sack of cats and couldn't have told you if there were 2 or 22 just ahead of me!!  As it turned out, Bob and I actually were within seconds of finishing.  When I saw him after the race his knee and leg was bloody.  Said he fell right at the Finish Line.  His son walked up and he had done the very same thing about 5 minutes before.  His hands were tore up, too.  As I went back to the Finish Line to see Kent cross the line, the guy that finished a second or two behind him fell, too, right at my feet!  He fell hard and I'm sure he was sore the next day.  I'm wondering if there wasn't something that caused these falls...and wondering how many others fell.  There were two different shutes for men and women so we didn't cross the line at that place. 

Talked with Mike B. a while the awards were called out.  He is so nice and such a FAST runner and is usually one of the first ones to cross the line ALL the time!!  He told me that he wanted to beat this one guy and he was ahead of Mike a good bit of the way; but when they began the hills, it seemed to have taken some power out of him and Mike caught him.  I was getting excited while he was relaying the story.  BUT....right at the end, this guy caught back up to him and beat him.  He is the second best in the state!!!  Man, I wished Mike could have won!  You're so close, Mike, I look for you to overcome him real soon! 

Kent won First Overall Racewalker...good job...in the dark!!  Getting ready to go, Kent insisted on staying for my age group awards.  I was definitely not expecting a single bit of recognition.  Then all of a sudden they called out my name!!  I was shocked!  I was the recipient of the First Place award in my age group.  The awards were very pretty handmade clay ones and am a proud owner of one now.  Aren't they pretty??  I love them!

Miss Mississippi, who is from Ocean Springs, was there to give out the awards.  Here are our pictures as good as I could get.  A photographer was there taking photos and I hope to have these replaced when I can locate the pics. 

I had moved over to make room for the other ladies that won so this looks kinda funny this far apart.

Here is a better pic of Kent with his award.  The flash of the camera blinded him.  Sorry, Honey!!

A final word about the race director. Leonard V. did an outstanding job putting on this race. Seems not a single thing was forgotten. One of the best things we love about the GCRC races is the fast, efficient way LV gets the results. And, on top of that, he has their website updated within a very few hours!!! We wait only a reasonable amount of time for the awards presentation. The races in Alabama and Florida could take a LOT of lessons from you, my friend!! Great job and we enjoyed it immensely!

And, now we'd like to say...put on your shoes, get your water and go

Run 4 It

you'll not regret it!!

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