Running like the wind...

A hiatus of sorts!

2009-07-04T11:47:00.001-07:00

The last time I ran, I was up in DC. I had a magnificent run where I happened to find a cool trail that meandered through woods, streams and open fields of deer. And then as the sun went down, lots of mosquitoes... But, it felt great to get out and run somewhere other than Florida.

Then, we were off in West Virginia visiting some friends and ran along the river in Charleston. It was a nice day, not too hot but still warm. Can I tell you how much I hated my run? It was only supposed to be 3 miles or so and it felt like 20. I even started 2:1 intervals which I haven't done since I started! I just felt like death.

Discouraged from my run, I gave it a rest for a day. My dh and I were talking about more personal matters and the next day found out that we were pregnant! OOOOOHHHHHH, so that is why running sucked the life out of me the day before! Needless to say, my running ended on that day.

Now many will say they ran up to their last few weeks, but I have to be honest, that is not me. Right now I can barely get my butt of the couch. I have about zero energy and my main goal is to get up in the morning! Every day I have a little conversation in my head about "this is the day when I will walk a mile!" then find myself crawling into bed at night without walking. Oh well, I am not going to beat myself up about it. This too shall pass.

I am thrilled about this new adventure we will be on. Baby #3 will be a welcomed addition into our home. But for now, running will have to take a backseat. I will miss all of my online and IRL running community for a bit but I will be back! You all are a great bunch!

Oh, and just in case you were wondering? My due date is Jan. 10th, 2010. Yes, it is the same day as the Disney Marathon that I was registered for. There is always next year!

Setbacks...

2009-05-05T04:01:00.000-07:00

Don't ya hate it when just as you get in your running groove, something sets you back? Well, I have returned to getting up early and running, and what happens? A wicked head cold saps all the energy from me!

Today I ran 3 miles and it was pure torture. I was so weak all I could do was lope around my loop. Not pretty at all! I guess I am happy that I got out there but I can't wait to feel better!

Nothing like a little reality for your day...

2009-04-13T04:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we spent the weekend down in Tampa. I was so excited to be staying about 2 minutes from the starting line of the Gasparilla race site that I had run only a few weeks before! I had a long run planned and this would be a perfect venue.

So Monday morning I started out on my run. My first 3 miles were around large yachts, expensive restaurants and beautiful homes. I made a turn and headed over a bridge that took me towards the old race route. As I had a wonderful view of the water I noticed sheets hanging from docks, bikes resting on fences that were supposed to keep away trespassers from expensive boats.

Then down on the ground behind a decorative wall I noticed the people. Men, women, young and old, sleeping on the cement.
What a contrast from what had been occurring there a few weeks ago. Smiling faces, people coming together to run and now this? The blaring reality that people share a different vantage point than you. As I ran, I thought of their stories. What brought them to this place? What about their families? It haunted my run as I thought that those people could be any of us. I felt so helpless to be running next to them. Kind of like I was rubbing it in that I had a home and a life that wasn't so bleak.

So then I remembered an awesome site that my friend Becky introduced me to. A site whose mission is to empower homeless people through running. It is called Back on My Feet and it is starting chapters all over the United States. Maybe it is calling you to be an organizer in your area, or buy a few awesome t-shirts to support the cause! While it doesn't feel like much by myself, with all of us joining in we can make a difference.

Gasparilla 15K race report

2009-03-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

Well better late than never!

Had a great time at the Gasparilla event in Tampa on the weekend of Feb. 28th- March 1st. I am thankful I ran the 15K (9.3 miles) instead of the half as the weather on Sunday was quite cold and blustery! Our weather on Sat. was in the nice upper 60's and pure sun. Beautiful.

The expo was fantastic and provided a lot of entertainment for our family. Even my little ones had a blast trying out free samples of food and smoothie drinks. There was shopping galore but I was good!

It was up early for the 7:30 am start. I traveled by myself as my dh and mil didn't have to be there until 8:30. I was a bit worried about parking but I had plenty of time to get a great spot.

The race started on time and we were all off. I kept a good pace for most of the race but on mile 7 I started lagging. I had Hammer Gels that I took on mile 4 and 7 so I was thankful that I had them. The one negative of this race was that there was no sports drinks on the course, just water. I think I really needed it since I was sweating a lot.

Funny thing is that I had to go walk the 5K at 9:30 so I knew I had to book it before I missed the start! I was meeting my MIL and I had to be on time! So I kept on running and had a PR of 1:41:23 which was 20 minutes off of my last years 15K time. I was pleased as my goal was to be under 1:45.

I was especially proud of my dh who ran his first 5K! He ran the whole time and was laughing as he tried to plow through a water stop running but it didn't work so well. Gotta love him!

Here we all are!

Tag, I am it!

2009-01-31T07:16:00.000-08:00

Snowshadow at The March of The Humans just tagged me on his blog! I first "met" Showshadow on Twitter or was it RuncastTV? Anyway, I have really enjoyed his presence on the web. A few months ago on RuncastTV he posted a challenge and the prize was a really cool Vado pocket camcorder. I participated in the challenge and low and behold, I WON!!! Life has been crazy as of late, so I haven't been able to post my video's but believe me, they are in there. I love it. And as a special surprise, he packed a cool Runcast TV shirt too with my user name on the back. Very fun.

So here are the rules: Link your original tagger(s), and list these rules on your blog. Share seven facts about yourself in the post - some random, some weird.
Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs and/or Twitter.

Since this is a running blog, I am going to talk about running related things that might give you more insight into me!

1. I started running two years ago after being prompted by a dear friend of mine Sarah. She is an awesome runner who just finished her 2nd marathon in Jan. She also has 3 great kids and a wonderful husband who supports her in her addiction. ;)

2. I am addicted to my Garmin.

3. My dh just started running as well and is training for his first 5K. I am really excited that he is doing this as now we have a shared hobby! I am a bit possessive of my Garmin (and he borrows it) so I think I see a new gift in his future.

4. I love running on paved nature trails and despise the treadmill.

5. I have lost a toenail - and am very proud of it BTW!

6. I have just started back on my Weight Watcher journey to better health and fitness.

7. I have internet friends due to running! ;-) Y'all are the best!

Lets see, who should I tag!

Sarah who got me in this whole mess to begin with. She has been such a great source of support and encouragement. Also a good friend to kick me in gear if I need it. She opened my eyes to the best form of mental health out there as I swear running soothes the soul. Thank you!!!

Maddy She is a local running girl I have been excited to know from Twitter. She runs on the treadmill for most of her training runs and I am in awe at how she does that!

Kitzzy is another local Florida girl who I have actually had the pleasure to meet! She has been an inspiration to me as I have read about her transformation to be more healthy and fit. Also, she has incorporated her family in her running and she looks like she is having fun while doing it!

Nik I don't know if she will respond to this but she was the first person I was able to get running advice from via 4 Feet Running! I love listening to their podcast and enjoy Nik and Dan's friendly running conversations.

Lybe challenges me to get out even when it is coooold! ;) I love her ninja outfit where just her eyes peek out.

Nicole at blogs about her running up in Canada. Brrr! How does she do it?! Her blog is really encouraging and informative about all things running - and some not about running! ;) She has a great sense of humor that makes it fun to read.

And I know it said 7 people to tag but I know all of my other running friends would probably do me in if I named them. ;)

Ok, so I am tweaking my goals a bit...

2009-01-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

Work calls and I won't be able to do the Princess Half Marathon on March 8th. But I am not sweatin' it because it was just darn expensive! My goals have switched and now I am doing the Gasparilla 15K the week before in Tampa. It should be a fun run and I feel as if I can be strong running it after completing my training.

Last week I decided the day before the Season's 52 5.2K race that I should participate so off I went, bright and early Saturday morning. Actually, it wasn't bright but it was rather early.There were a lot of folks there and the neighborhood was beautiful to run through. I really didn't have any goals for this race, I just wanted to have fun and run but a minute into it, I made two goals. One, not to trip as the roads were all brick pavers. Nice and quaint if you live there but a pain to run on! LOL! My second goal was to run straight through. Y'all know that I run intervals. Usually run for 3 and walk for 1 but I felt great and strong so I just kept on running! I did walk and take some water, and one time to tie my shoe but for me, that is progress.

My time for 5.2K was 33:24 which as one of my friends pointed out is actually a PR since I have never run that distance before... snicker snicker! My actual 5K time was 32:27 which isn't the fastest that I have run a 5K but given the amount of people in this race, and how congested it was, I am happy.

I'm Baaaaaaacccccckkkkk!

2009-01-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

After a few weeks of just resting (aka being lazy) after the race, I think I am back. Of course New Year's day is a wonderful day to make a comeback but I have to grab the momentum from somewhere you know?

Holiday's, food, friends and family have ruled for the past few weeks and I am thankful for them. I am also thankful for the great weather here in Florida that pulls me outside to get on the trail.

While my 3 miles were slow, it felt so good to be out there in the fresh cool air. Good music and pod casts in my ears led itself to a cleansing time of rejuvenation that I have forgotten in the past few weeks. Good for the soul.

Happy New Years and happy running!

Post Race Blues...

2008-12-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

I haven't run for a week. Up until yesterday I didn't have a plan for future races or a goal of what I wanted to accomplish as a runner. I was wandering around the wilderness and I was lost. I had completed my race, basked in the goal of running 13.1 miles and then realized "now what?"

So yesterday I sat down with a calendar and a list of races and planned. My first question was, did I want to focus on getting faster? Or distance. Well, I know that I want to run a marathon at some point in 2009 so I opted for distance. So here is my plan for this year:

March 8th - Disney Princess Half Marathon - start Hal Higdon Intermediate training Dec. 15th.

Jan. 10, 2010- tentative date - Disney Marathon - Starting training Sept. 7th 2009

I am sure I will throw in a few 5K's and 10K's to make life fun and before the marathon training I will have a mileage buildup plan to keep me busy. I have learned so much about myself through running. I *need* a plan!!!

So I have thrown my blues aside and have now returned to my giddy little running self. Whoo hoo!

My video!

2008-12-02T05:23:00.000-08:00

Quick race report!

2008-12-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness what a day!!! My whole race experience was flawless, down to my kids going to bed at a decent hour. Wooo hooo!

We all woke up at 4:15 to get to the race venue by 5:15. The kids weren't too happy about getting up that early but they managed. They accompanied me to the starting line and cheered me on as the race began. It was still dark outside but the sun soon began to peek out and light our course.

About a mile in I noticed that this wasn't an ordinary race. There were spectators lining up dressed as every imaginable space creature! I think Star Wars characters were the most prevalent. People were happy chatting while running and laughter consumed the runners. We were shot at by storm troupers, cheered on by Princess Leia and stalked by Darth Vader.

The course was absolutely beautiful. The Indian River Lagoon is actually the Intercoastal Waterway which is a pretty big body of water going down the coast of Florida. There was a nice breeze on our backs for the first 6 miles or so. At the turn around, the breeze turned into gusts but it was nice and cooling. The houses that lined the streets were ones that I wouldn't have any problem moving into! LOL!

The race really flew by and I was thankful that my shins had no pain whatsoever. About mile 10 the race really started for me. I focused in and thought about all the hard training I had put in. I had never run further than 10 miles so it was all new to me! I watched the miles yet to go get smaller and smaller and was amazed that I could actually do this!

The finish was in Centennial Park which had a circular path that led to the finish line. I caught a glimpse of the clock at 2:29:45 and thought, CRAP! 15 seconds before my goal time! I turned into a bonafide Kenyan and ran like a madwoman to beat my time. Then 5 seconds after finishing I thought, "you blonde! Chip time! It took me forever to get to the start so I had plenty of time!" Fun none the less.

I will definitely put this on my to do list next year. The course was beautiful which is one of the main reasons I run!

So here are the stats:

Chip time: 2:27:40

Age division 55/98

Place 675/1068

So I am pleased at my first attempt!

I am going to do my own video when time allows but for now, enjoy last years promo video!

Sunday!!

2008-11-28T05:16:00.001-08:00

Well, the day of the race is fast approaching. My mind is calm but I am sure tomorrow I will be a nervous wreck! I can take peace in the fact that I have trained well and hard.

We will be headed down tomorrow - the kids are so excited to stay at the beach. We will hit the bed early and will anticipate a 4am wake up call. *yawn*! The start is at 6:00am so the sun will just be coming up as we run.

The course is flat and right along side the Indian River which will make a beautiful backdrop as we run. It is shaded as well so it won't get too hot. I think the weather is still supposed to be partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm - mid 50's and then a high to mid 70's. I pray I can make it off the course by the time it hits 60!

My goal time is 2:30 - do I dare put that in print?? I ran two miles yesterday and my shins are not so hot today so who knows what 2 days of rest will bring. I think the shin issue is the only thing that will hold me back. After a huge Thanksgiving feast and all the leftovers, there is no way that lack of fuel will be a problem!

So today I can rest up, drink lots of water and make a mental checklist of all that needs to be done. Wait, I better write it all down! LOL!

Now, don't shoot me, we all do it!!!

2008-11-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Off I went this morning for my 10 miler, and last run before my half next week, and lo and behold? What did I see as I pulled into the trail head?? Porta Potties!!

I know, gross you say, but I used to be a toilet snob and now I am all too happy to use a porta potty. It *is* better than the woods ya know. And my belief is, you are not truly a runner until you have used the woods on a run. Ok, I am not going to go into *that* story!

So I can run in confidence that at some point during my run, I will have a bathroom no farther than 2.5 miles. I am covered!

And a side note, do you notice my cool headband?? 70's runner returns! I soooo need to go and buy a ear warmer thingie but this gag gift of my dh's will have to do. I tried to toss it as clutter 2 years back but thankfully it was still in it's hiding spot. Very useful as today it was 41 degree

Weather

2008-11-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

A week or so ago I had a dream that I was running in rain. Now I don't believe that dreams come true or now do I??

I just checked the 10 day forecast and what is on tap for race day?? You got it, 30% chance of showers. I pray that this is the day that meteorologists are WRONG!

Low's around 55 Degree's F, High of 73. Race starts at 6:00am so we shall see!

Runcast TV...

2008-11-18T15:38:00.001-08:00

What fun I had today as I went out this morning with my camera phone and snapped some shots of my trail where I run. There is a new site, Runcast TV which is a site devoted to runners. Very cool. Enjoy!

I am all for cleaning up the environment but...

2008-11-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

This is ridiculous! I put out my water bottle for my run and when I came back 5 miles later with a gel in my mouth, and nothing!

Now I am assuming that some sweet earth conscious person tossed it in the trash, or maybe the recycling bin but I need water! Fortunately, I had a back up in my car just a few steps away.

I think next time I will keep my stash in my car. It might not be as easy to grab it but at least I will have something!

Hal Higdon with a Galloway spin...

2008-11-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

Today I had an experiment. I was to run 5 miles and I felt pretty good as I started off. My right calf muscle is still giving me fits and today it just wasn't loosening up the way I had hoped but, hey, I am used to the pain and I kept running through it. Not good I am sure but I did it anyway.

Anyway, I have a Hal Higdon half marathon plan which I have been faithfully following. I also run it Jeff Galloway style as I run 3 minutes and then walk a minute. While I think it is the easy way out of running, it works for me at the moment! ;) So this is my experiment. I ran 3 miles Galloway style then on the 4th mile I ran straight through with no walking breaks. Then ran the last mile in the run/walk ratio. Here are my split times: Running straight is bold/italic

1 - 10:33
2 - 10:58
3 - 10:48
4 - 10:18
5 - 11:04

So was running straight really worth it for me?? No way! Even though I was a bit faster, it killed me on the last mile! So for now, I feel good about doing the whole run/walk thing.

I suppose I will continue to run like the wind - the wind is wind, no matter how fast!

Pace

2008-11-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

Pacing is so over rated for me. As I read books it says to run easy, run hard, run slow blah blah blah. But for me, I just run to get to the end. I mean sure, I slow down if I am hyperventilating but for the most part, it takes everything I have just to keep going! I might as well walk if I go any slower! LOL!

So I know I will probably run the Half at a slower pace than what I have been running, and I am ok with that. I know there will be time to sharpen up my speed but for now I am having a blast going the distance.

I decided...

2008-11-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

To the left there is a void. There used to be a 10K race there which was going to be in my training schedule but I opted out of it. I would much rather run the Half strong and healthy than to jeopardize my leg for a local 10K.

So tomorrow I will be going for 8 miles and I am ready!

What to do!!!

2008-10-26T10:15:00.001-07:00

Ok, here is the deal. I am following the Hal Higdon plan for my first Half. In the training, it incorporates races for two of the days. I checked off the 5K from the training, but there is a 10K for Nov. 9th. I work on some weekends so it is not always feasable to race. There is one for Nov. 1st which I can run. But then it mucks up my scheduled long run of 8 miles on Sunday! Follow me?

Schedule
10/27 - strength/stretch
10/28 - 4.5
10/29 - 3 3
10/30 - 4.5
10/31 - rest
11/1 - 50 min cross
11/2 - 8 miles

So my options are to just stick to the schedule or race on 11/1 and add on a few miles after the race to get to 8 miles and ditch the cross training.

So can someone give me some feedback as to what to do? I really want to race, but I also want to get in my long run. *and* not get injured! Help a girl out!

Morning run

2008-10-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

How I love to venture out early in the morning to this. See the small bit of moon up there on the top of the picture?

It was so quiet out this morning but soon a handful of people joined me out on the path. They were all choosing their method of exercises, whether it be on foot or by bike but one thing was common. Their love for the newfound fall weather!

While driving to my destination I hit the temp. button in my car. 55 degrees F. it read! Brrrrr! But after a summer of running in the mid 80's, I welcomed the cool crisp air. It felt invigorating!

I finished 7 miles strong and surprised that I felt so good since resting so much from my leg issue. I was encouraged too as my pace was under 11 minute miles. I looked back at my history on my Garmin and last April I was at 13 minute miles for a 7 mile run! Training works!

A little more than one month to go for my Half-Marathon. I look forward to having a great race no matter the pace...

Cleared!!

2008-10-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

Went to the Dr. yesterday and he cleared me to run! Gotta love Sports Medicine professionals as they are used to wackoes who are passionate about their sport. Go ahead and run through the pain - here are some drugs that will make it just fine!

As long as I can run still I am good. But really, it was just a case of nasty shin splints that will recoup well after some heavy corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories.

So today I am going to do a very SLOW 4.5 miles as to not wipe myself out. Then back home to ice the fool mess out of my leg.

I can still run my races!!!!!! No, I am not the least bit excited and relieved! ;)

Aw heck!

2008-10-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I didn't run my 2 miler to rest my leg. Today I was a glutton for punishment and ran 4 miles against my better judgement. I mean, it doesn't hurt that much!

So I ran today and felt pretty strong minus the nagging dull pain in my right leg. At mile two, I stopped for water and massaged my shin bone all the way down towards my ankle. All of a sudden shooting pain right above my tattoo and ankle. Totally muscle pain right at the attachment. Why I didn't do that yesterday I have no clue!

So now I am resting with an ace bandage securing a bag of frozen peas around the area. Can I say OUCH??!! Guess I will have to chill today with the laptop! ;)

Pain...

2008-10-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

Today I was so excited to get out there and run on my favorite trail but moments into my run I knew I wasn't going to like it! I had a dull ache in my right shin area. It kind of circles around into the back of my calf as well. Just dull and achy.

I thought I would push through it and keep on going - hopeful that it would just fade away after I warmed up. Nope, didn't. It nagged me for the whole 4 miles and then after as I walked. So frustrating!

Now I sit here at my computer about 30 minutes later and it still hurts. Just achy and bothersome. Enough to remind me that something is not right.

I hope some Vitamin I will do just the trick. I will rest it and hopefully it will be good as new soon!

If anyone can do a cyber diagnosis or offer any advice, go for it!

Tickers...

2008-10-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Can I just tell you how freaky it is to have those tickers count down the days? I thought it would encourage me when I saw my little tickers but now I feel a bit ticked off! LOL!

No really, I see them now and think "OH CRAP!" only that long until my next race? What have I gotten myself into! (saying this as I snicker and shake my head back and forth!)

Ok, thought over.

First of three down!

2008-10-04T09:15:00.001-07:00

What a blast! Had a great morning run at the Greater Maitland 5K with around 300 others. My time was 32:28 which was a lot faster than my first 5K 2 years ago (35:20!) so I am pleased.

It is so funny because when I train the first mile is always the hardest and for this race, I averaged 9:45 for the first mile! Yikes - slow down girl! If you average it out, I DID slow down but I was a bit ticked I had been so fast the first mile. My hope was to kick it in gear the last 2 miles but I kind of outdid myself without knowing it on mile 1! Oh well. Knowledge for the next race!

My last post was regarding feeling giddy yesterday and I did. So much so I didn't sleep so well. Then at 11:45 the door alarm started going off - wonderful when you know you need to be up at 5:30 and all you hear is "back door open, back door open" in this booming man's voice. Grrrrr. I turned off the monitor and switched on a fan to block the noise and thankfully fell back asleep.

I don't know about you, but I learn year after year how controlling and obsessive I am. Do you know that on my way there I practically panicked that I had gone on the wrong day?? LOL! I quickly snatched my phone and checked out the date - whew! I was on track! I relaxed again and enjoyed the drive there listening to great morning music.

The race was well put on, a nice support group and not too crowded. I do have to admit though, I am a bit spoiled by my two Disney Medals!

I am so happy I ran like the wind!!