St. Patrick's Leprechaun 5k

Today's race didn't start out as I had wanted it to.  If you are my blog reader you know that I have had my up's and down's.  Though I wouldn't change a single thing from the 8k Cross Country Race in the sand last week, it definitely had its toll on me.  My right groin continues to feel pulled and my right hip and knee are bearing the brunt of it.  Thinking it would be alright for today's race...well, that didn't happen! 

I've been working on my speed and strength lately and began to maintain a 9:22 pace for 3 miles.  I was so excited as it's been a while since I've kept this for that long.  I was feeling much stronger and confident.  Then last week's race came.  I've always wanted to do a trail race though not so sure I wanted it to be solely in sand, ha.  Today's race was not a major race for me so I focused on doing what I could.  After warming up some, I realized that a good race time was not in the cards today and really felt like a walk/run was what I needed to do. 

I began to see more and more friends show up and didn't think I would see but only a couple of them.  Let me start my photos with a couple of race ones.  The first couple were Kent finishing up and one of Diane coming in. 

There was pizza, fruit and stew afterward.  Also, at the end of the room was some ice cream.  It was all good but I think the fellowship with friends topped it all off.  Here are a few pics during this time while waiting for the awards to start...which was F.O.R.E.V.E.R!!!! 

Okay...Kent and Buck were 1.) not happy, 2.) not ready, or 3.) tired of waiting for the awards to begin.  Either way, I just had to post this.  It's all good...lol.

Shortly, we found out that my friend, Mo, provided a birthday cake for her husband, Henry.  Yep...it was pretty good!  Thanks, Mo, for sharing it...and Happy Birthday, Henry. 

Many of us received awards.  The ones I remember are Mo, Irene, Jane and Norm, and I'm sure there are others I don't recall offhand.  I, personally, wasn't expecting a single thing since my run was so bad.  BUT...I received 1st place in my age group.  Susan received Senior Grand Masters and Buck received 2nd place.  Kent got overall male RW and Diane got 2nd in the RW divisions.  She is super and should r/w more often. 

A quickie friendship pic with Diane.

Here's to you, Buck.  See you at the next race!

Be safe, keep moving and go

Run 4 It

Bay to Breakfast 12k Trail Race

What can I say?  This was an absolutely beautiful weekend and everything was right for a race: cool temp, no wind and sunny.  Saturday I did my first trail race; hence, a new PR.  Right??  Of course!  It was at the Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola, FL.  It was an 8k, which equals to 5 miles to my non-running friends.  I saw where there were only two water stations and that it was recommended to bring something to drink in-between those stations.  I've never used a camel back water reservoir [okay, I can't think of the right word] but we had one and I decided to wear it.  After the last race where I needed more water than was provided on the course I didn't want to get caught without something to keep me from dehydrating like then.  Just before the race began, I donned my water and walked away from the vehicle.  Within a few steps, I could tell that it might "bounce" and that would NOT do at all.  After all, I had not tried it in a run before and I KNOW that's a big no-no to do something different in a race then what you've done before.  So, off with that thing and I took my chance and winged it!! 

We started out on pavement for about 3/4 of a mile or so, then we headed onto the trail.  I wore long pants mostly because I had read on their site to be prepared for sand burs and I definitely didn't want to "tangle" with those things; thinking long pants would protect me some, that's what I wore.  The trail consisted of mostly deep, loose sand with some grades.  Once on the trail, the fun began.  Did I say, "fun"???  Come on, all of you that did this KNOW it was fun...from the beginning!  Actually, it wasn't bad I thought to myself.  Well, it wasn't long before we were introduced to a little deeper sand.  Then the story goes without saying things only got "deeper"...no pun intended.  I've run in sand one time before and it was on the beach up close to the water where it was more "padded".  I thought THAT was hard.  This doesn't compare!  People began to spread out going their own pace as best they could.  When deep sand appeared I tried to run as steady as I could but my calves literally SCREAMED making me walk a few steps until I was out of that area and my calves calmed down.  That went back and forth throughout the race.  Good running, then deep-sand-calf-yelling running.  Marsha and I passed each other off and on until the last mile or so.  We went through one area that appeared to be marsh-like.  Boy, was it soft to run on and just about the moment you thought you could make some time you started hitting little pockets which made running more cautious so as to not turn an ankle or fall.  You were blinded to them as the grass covered them up.  Fortunately, there were some places that leveled off after this with a few grass runners here and there.  It didn't take long to realize that that's where you could actually get traction and run a little harder.  Don't get me wrong...the running harder did NOT mean longer!!  Usually after getting through those easy parts, beautiful, white sand appeared again, sometimes deeper and looser accompanied by a steep grade.  On pavement or hard ground you might not think much of the grade but when you're pushing as hard as you can to move forward UP a grade it doesn't take long to realize that you take one step up and slide back two.  Boy, was I glad to hear spectators cheering those crossing the Finish Line ahead.  I knew it was about over even if I couldn't see it yet.  I looked at the clock and was totally amazed at my time.  I had NO idea I would come in under an hour and a half but was much better than that.  It made all the heavy breathing, struggling times worth it. 

Not exactly the order of finish but it was Justin, Kim, Eric, me, Marsha, Becky, Irene and Diane.  We were all whipped, exhausted and some vowed not to do the course again!  Well......all I can say is I like a challenge.  And because it was tough and I came 28 seconds from breaking an hour, all it did for me is to assure that I would be there next year and do better hoping to clear the hour.  The girls all got together for a goofy picture [goofy? well, it's probably more like the way we REALLY felt at this moment, ha!].  I love these girls!!!  There's never a dull moment. 

No pics were taken of the post race food but it was good.  There were bagels, pancakes, bacon, breakfast burritos, fruit/granola/sorbet [my favorite], coffee and orange juice. 

We knew a couple would be getting awards.  Hanging around was easy to do because everyone was really enjoying themselves.  I was pleasantly surprised [actually shocked] to see that I had placed in my age group.  Yep...I was beside myself for sure.  Irene got 1st place, Becky got 1st and I got 3rd. 

 

About half of us received medals.  It was exciting.

Then we had to get a pic of all of us.  So, Voila [that's for you Justin...and Diane...ha!] 

Thanks, John, for taking the pic of us! 

Here is the long sleeve tee we got as well as my medal.  My time was 1:00:28.

We all left Pensacola and decided to go to The Gulf for lunch.  I wasn't hungry but it was such a gorgeous day it was exciting to think we would be sitting outside enjoying the sun, soft breeze and beautiful water.  Oh, my...what a great day it was!!  I really didn't want it to end...except that Kent was with me.  He was playing golf. 

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Last but not least, I want to share a couple of pics of the birthday girl.  My friend, Jean, had a birthday on the 4th.  Bless her heart, she has been on the injured list for a while now.  A few of us got together to celebrate her birthday.  My sweet friend, Mi, invited us to lunch at her restaurant.  We had a great time reminiscing our running together.  Here are a couple of pics.  Get well quick, Jean, we miss you!

Jean and me

Susan, Mi, Jean

I am so thankful my running is getting better...most of all, that I am feeling better and stronger.  So, for those in a slump, NEVER give up.  I know I've said this a lot but there is so much truth in it.  Keep going, do what you can and I'll see you at the next race. 

Run 4 It

Sea Turtle Half

Well today I did a half marathon, the first one in 15 months!!  Though I needed a couple more weeks to feel good and ready, nothing could prepare me for the heat of this one.  I am NOT a summer runner/racer and today's heat was very tough for me.  Who would have thought temps would reach in the lower 70's in February especially just a few short days ago the temp was in the low 40's and windy!  Reaching in the 60's while racing makes your body much hotter than the outside temp.  What crazy weather!! 

Today it was all about the bling. 

I got a chance to meet up with some of my running friends before the race, Susan and My.  We really, really missed another friend, Jean, who got injured and wasn't able to do the race.  She trained so hard and my heart was sad for her.  We love and miss you, Jean! Get well quick!

I was very excited for My as this was her first half.  She ran strong and finished well.  The first part of the race went great for me.  But Susan and I both struggled with the heat as the race went on. 

My body started dehydrating about halfway and I needed water badly.  Water stops weren't at all the mile markers so at that time water was not close by.  My body started aching, hip hurting then blisters started annoying me a little later in the race.  My goal for this race was to finish and begin my longer running and racing again.  I wanted a better time but it wasn't to be in this race.  Man, was it good to see that Finish Line!!  Seeing several of my Sole Sisters was so nice; then we ran into another friend, Buck, who did the 5k.  He did well, too. 

As it turned out, I finished 1st place in my age group and Susan finished 2nd.  This made all the struggle worthwhile!! 

We got pretty glasses as an award.  This is my first award in a half since entering a new decade.  I am really very excited about winning!  I had NO idea that would happen since it had been so long that I had run a half marathon.  Here is a pic of the award.

A couple of things that kept me going in this race was that I ran it for my friend, Jean.  I wanted to honor her since she was unable to do it.  Secondly, I ran it for my trekking friends.  They were so good to cheer me at the last class and this was for them, too!  I have great friends here and am so proud to be theirs. 

Sometimes all the effort is worthwhile.  Sometimes goals are met and sometimes just crossing the line is enough.  Never give up.  Look for the good in EVERY race you do.  Without saying any more, just go out and

Run 4 It 

Double Bridge 15k

First of all, I can't believe it has been so long since I wrote an article.  But on the flip side, it's all getting good.  Working through the severe bronchitis I had at the end of last year has been tough and I think I am finally over this mess!  Seems like every time I tried to run any distance it would all start up again.  So aggravating and very discouraging!! 

The Double Bridge 15k in Pensacola is a favorite of mine.  To me.....it is tough; but I love the challenge.  A cold front came through and it was quite chilly but the worse part was the wind!  It was blasting up into the 20's mph gusts.  Friends from our hometown came down to run it...a bunch of 'em...and it was good to see them.  We stayed in our hotel room while they were gallivanting on the beach...for hours!!  They obviously have thicker skin than I do; but mostly they are crazy, ha! 

 On our balcony, you can see them waaaaay out there on the left side of my bangs.  See those tiny specks close to the water?

The next morning we met up in the lobby of the hotel and headed out to the Starting Line.  My goal this year was to run it all and not walk.  As simple as that was, I had to begin my distance running in a way that would push me yet not attainable.  The morning was beautiful.  The temp was perfect for racing.  Here we are before the race began. 

 

I believe this is the first race I wore something to cover my ears.  I ran in it the week before and couldn't believe how warm it was; it kept my hair out of my face and my earphones in place.  I love it!!  No, I don't look good...BUT...neither does anyone else; so it's better to be warm and comfortable than freezing and cute, ha!  [Well, I wouldn't classify me as "cute" in running gear.]  This wrap also provided much protection from the wind!  My ears never got cold.  Oh, did I tell you...it was VERY windy that day.  I tend to run on the treadmill when it's real cold, windy or rainy; yep, I love protection and a good environment so my little body was freaking out in the environment.  The others are use to it as they only run outside.  Go Team Run 4 The Kids!! 

 

This is the first time I've raced where I didn't warm up any; meaning jogging around a little.  And, before we knew it, it was time to get in our corrals with 10 minutes left before it started.  When I realized that, all I could think of was hurry up and get in place.  Guess we were enjoying our visiting too much.  There were so many people.  It seemed like there were more than before.  Thought I would never ease up to my corral.  Everyone was stepping in place to keep warm.  The sun sure felt good. 

 

The race began and I was amazed how strong and well I felt after having NO warm-up at all.  I used my new iPod Shuffle and LOVE it!!  I have considered getting one for a while and decided to take the plunge and get one.  I am so glad I did.  I love the fact that it takes up no room on me while running and the songs are random.  The regular iPod clips on your pants/shorts but yet it always gets in the way of the race bib.  This little thing will clip on anything and stay in place cause it weighs NOTHING!!  Here's my bib.  I love that they put your name on it.

 

Keeping my focus on "my" race instead of racing others helped a lot.  My pace stayed constant a little faster than normal but nothing I couldn't keep throughout.  Once we got out of town and headed over the first bridge I realized that the wind was on our backs.  It was a tailwind and it helped a lot.  I love the push it gave me.  I was able to run the entire race without walking...goal achieved...and on top of that ran better than the last TWO years in this race...an extra "Yay"!!!  Time was not even an issue in this race but it all worked out. 

 

The race always affords a beautiful medal and this year didn't disappoint.  The Pensacola Beach ball rotates.  How cool is that!  And, like last year, the attorney office that sponsored this race gave out visors or caps. 

 

Kent has been on the injured list a while but he felt better and decided to go ahead and do the 5k as best he could.  His race was good, too.  He had no pain and felt good afterward.  So happy.  This was a great race for both of us.  I finished 8th in my age group of 30.  By my watch, I had a 10:13 pace which I am ecstatic about.  Never thought I could do that at this time. 

 

I have a half marathon next weekend and am excited about it after this race.  It will be my first for this race, Sea Turtle Half Marathon.  I want to say to those that might be down and out...for I have been for some time...NEVER give up!  Never, never, never give up!  If you want it, continue to do what you can to overcome your obstacles.  There are more behind you than you realize and I am one of them.  You can do this!  Now, go

 

Run 4 It

2015 Year End Review

To begin with I will start with this year's goals and the results. 

1.  Half Marathon.  Unfortunately, it didn't happen. 
2.  Eat fruit daily.  Much better.
3.  Overlook past failures.  Improving, more than I expected.
4.  Push through the hard times.  Excelled.

Comment:  I am pleased with the overall end of this year's goals.  No, I didn't accomplish them the way I had intended it to be; but, with the exception of the first couple, being aware of the other two has made me a better person. 

Activity
Miles run:  841.5
Miles walked: 118.1
Total miles on my legs:  959.6

Biked/Cycled:  186.3 miles

Comment:  These statistics I am well pleased with!  Having been inactive so much this year, I can't believe I almost reached 1,000 miles.  It wasn't until mid-October or later that I realized that I could reach 1,000 miles run/walked.  I see now that this can be accomplished if I am regular in my running and/or walking.  Staying on my feet is the key!  The next big plus is the miles biked.  I've rarely gotten on my bike and have now begun taking a spin class which I hope to be more regular with that.  I am very pleased with this figure and will make a goal for this next year. 

You see, this has been another tough year.  That makes TWO in a row!!  I learned a lot through the ups and downs.  Mental adjustment has been the main goal for me this year.  I have probably been "down" as much as I have been "up".  But the last part of the year, I began changing my thoughts by doing what I can do instead of focusing or looking at the things I can't do.  I know this slump is temporary! 

One of the things that got my attention is the fact that I turned 60 years old!!  I still can't believe it and haven't gotten use to me saying that age out loud yet.  But facts are facts.  That means I have entered a new age group.  Normally excited about this, I can see this age group will be a challenge for me.  This is a good thing.  I will work harder and do the best I can do. 

Another thing is my weight.  I have GOT to do something to lose weight.  I know how to do it...but...it's the doing it that actually counts, right??  I've got to get my "want to" in line!  Odd enough, my running pace is increasing again [even with this extra weight] and if I weighed less I would be a better competitor.  And, that's what I want.  We'll see how bad I really want it! 

I don't have to look very deep to see the next half marathon.  Guess it's just "in my bones".  I really, really love that distance.  For now, I am getting stronger and am building miles on my legs.  If this continues, I plan to do as many half's in 2016 as I can, ha!  No, seriously...

Unlike some of my friends, I don't have running goals for 2016 that will push me to another level.  A couple of my friends are really excelling in their athletic ability:  Deleica and Marsha.  I am so proud of you...keep up the good work!  My goal is to return to running somewhat like I was in 2013 before I fell and broke my shoulder. 

One thing I did this year that I want to continue to do is to be more creative in the cooking area.  I've tried many things this year and have bought new, healthy things that I've not purchased before.  Delicious foods, as well as healthy ones, are definitely on the forefront in 2016. 

I will now close this post with the mention of a couple of folks that inspire me.  First off, a friend that isn't even on the Internet [that I know of] but she inspires me because she is NOT a quitter.  My friend, Mo, is amazing.  She has come through such difficult times of cancer, surgery and treatment and never...quits...running.  I don't know how she does it.  Though I could never be like her, she will never know how much I think about her when I want to give up.  Thanks, Mo!!

Second, my new friends this year, Susan and Jean.  They are consistent, strong runners.  Your invitation of my being a part of the Sole Sisters has been inspirational.  Getting to know so many ladies that walk or run and stay healthy is a plus in my life.  Thanks for letting me be a part of your running and group.  You make me realize goals I want to make and achieve.

Finally and most of all, I want to mention my biggest inspiration, my husband, Kent.  I cannot tell you how many times he has inspired me to get off my butt and "do something" active when I didn't want to.  He has had many setbacks this year as well but he never quits!!  Even when I tell him that I had "this or that" to do, he would go on and do his thing.  When he would leave, I would feel guilty and many times I would stop whatever nonsense I was doing, get dressed and hit the road.  Thank you so much for being YOU!!  I love you to the moon and back and can't imagine my life without you. 

There are others I want to thank for your encouragement this year as I've needed A LOT.  I hope it makes you feel better knowing that your words DID have a positive impact on me...yes, it did!  You will find my 2016 goals listed.  All I can say is encourage someone around you.  You never know how much it means being the recipient.  So for now, get active, make new goals and go

Run 4 It

Flora-Bama Make It To The Line

This turned out to be a very good day.  The air was real cool and the course flat which made for a good race for me.  Most of the race was run alongside my friend, Mo, who is also a competitor.  She did great, too.  Love visiting with friends I only see at races.  Here are a few pics...I'll start with "us".

I loved the cute shirt.  [Back, then the front]

Some pics during the race with me, Mo, Marsha, Irene and Diane.

Now some award pics.  Yay!!

The award and my first bib as 60 years old.

The post-race food was pretty good.  It was a very stuffed chicken tortilla with fresh lettuce and tomato with beef stew and yeast rolls.  Here's also some crowd pics.

This is the first 4-mile race I've run; hence a PR.  I finished so much better than I thought I would since I've hardly run since this raunchy bronchitis hit me a month ago!!  This is, also, the first race since entering a new age group.  I received 2nd place and am very happy with my pace.  My time was 28:02 [27:59 by my Garmin].  Yes, everything went well.  I am looking forward to a great 2016.  Now seize the day and go

Run 4 It

Wild Turkey Trot 5k

Another race down.  And, I'm glad I can say this.  The last couple of days I have been fighting a cold/allergy/sinus "stuff" and last night culminated in hardly sleeping a wink.  I was up ALL night trying to breathe and coughing my head off.  My head hurt so much.  With this happening, I had about decided to withdraw from the race this morning.  I made myself get race-dressed and go with Kent to Pensacola and cheer everyone in at the Finish Line.  Thought I could at least do that. 

After another dose of allergy medication, I began to feel a little better.  Still not planning to race, I caught up with my friend, Mo, beforehand and she wasn't herself either.  She told me that racing may help open my head up.  With that being said, I decided to try and race.  My calves have been much better this week but I was not very confident in them acting right and with my head wearing me out...well...I didn't have a lot of hope for running the entire course without doing some walking. 

The air was nice and cool and I began to see a lot of my friends as they came up.  As usual, I love the excitement in the air before a race and that didn't disappoint me; I just wasn't very confident in myself.  We got started on an overcast day and all was going well.  No calf pain and no coughing.  Within the first mile, we hit a small grade and it made me start walking as I was having so much trouble breathing!  I thought "oh, no!!"; but it didn't last long.  As soon as we leveled out I began running again and ran it the rest of the way through.  Mo and I ran together some, she ran ahead and I got ahead of her about 2 miles out.  Now that my breathing was getting better, I held "my" pace and kept steady.  Another friend, Buck, had zipped passed both of us after the first mile or so and stayed ahead, running good and strong.  He finished well, then I came in, then Mo, then my other friends.  We all did better than we expected.  Hence, the race was a success.  I was one off from placing in my age group with Mo getting 3rd and Buck 1st. 

Kent enjoys racewalking the races in Pensacola as they stress that you shouldn't run any and they start after the 5k runners leave out.  He placed 1st in his age group.  I am so proud of him.  He is such an inspiration to me!!  Okay...I know I've said that before...but he is! 

Hope you've had a good run or race today.  Looking forward to Thanksgiving with my family.  Here's wishing you a Happy Turkey Day.  But until then...after all, there's 5 days before that great day, go

Run 4 It

Oyster 5k

I have been working hard to improve my 5k time.  I continue to struggle with calf pain but have gotten a little stronger.  This past week I finally ran solid for 4 miles...okay...I know...that's nothing like what I am use to; but it is an improvement since I was hardly able to run 1.5 miles without stopping from severe pain not so long ago.  Not being sure of the cause, I do know that this started when I began a new medication.  I checked with the pharmacist to see if this was a side effect and it wasn't but I am not convinced that it wasn't in the "fine print" somewhere.  When it comes to muscle or tendon soreness, cramping, pain...I am right up there in the 1% of being affected.  This is my weakness.  I made the decision to cut the medication in half and see if this will make a difference.  Also, for a week now, I began taking magnesium after reading many times how it helps with muscles.  Having no idea if this will work or not, I have noticed improvement in the pain.  Slowly this past week, my running has gotten stronger...rather continual...without pain. 

We signed up for the Oyster 5k about a week ago and as of yesterday, we neither one was excited about doing it.  Poor Kent is suffering with heel pain and we're thinking it is gout.  Most days he can hardly walk until he's walked a little and stretched it out, then it will be okay.  He struggled a lot today in the race!  :(  As for me, I was actually scared to death that I couldn't make it.  Needless to say, we neither one was good for the other this morning.  Fortunately, we girded ourselves and headed out the door. 

Last night a cool front came through and this morning it was windy and cold!  It was 48, without consideration of the chill factor, when we left the house.  The cold part was fine as we race better when it is cooler than warmer but the wind was sharp.  I came up on several friends and it was actually exciting to visit with them.  Friends from different areas in my life...yet we all tend to come together at races. 

It is so hard to focus your running on being slower just in order to make a short 5k race.  Every time I would want to jump out and run harder, my mind came back to my goal in this race was running it entirely instead of racing it.  This is SOOO hard for me.  I had talked with my friend, Mo, earlier and she is struggling with a couple of issues in both legs!  I felt for her.  During the race we talked back and forth as she and I would pass each other several times.  She mentioned during the race that she was having pain in both legs and I told her that I was breaking down so much lately.  We encouraged each other and continued on.  Soon and very soon, we will be competitors again...I will enter her age group in a month.  I'm glad that we can be friends at the same time, too. 

I was doing well and about 2.49 miles into the race, my right calf started giving me signals of tightness.  This means that the pain will be coming up shortly and usually hard.  So, I backed off some, rested in a slower pace and continued on without any more tightness.  When I crossed the line, I was so excited to see on my watch [though I didn't turn it off when I first crossed but thought I had] that I had a great time on top of running it all!!  My time beat my last 5k at the Shrimp Festival by 2.12 minutes faster and I had no pain.  My goal had been achieved...no pain!! 

The next goal will be to try to run a little farther and a little harder.  I feel my trekking class is really helping my speed and today has helped my confidence.  With both in my back pocket, I am hoping I can run better at the next 5k coming up shortly.  I am so short of my usual 5k time but I will continue to try my best...and not quit!  Even if I don't get a better time, I want to be stronger and I can feel that it's inside again. 

Here's to leaving you with the encouragement to get out and go

Run 4 It