Another Saturday...

My niece Erin left for her senior year of college at the University of Evansville this week. I had come to depend on her to push me on Saturday runs - this morning I was on my own. This was evident when I didn't roll out of bed until 8:00. Not too long ago, I considered getting up at 8:00 on a weekend early; now it seems late. I have had a cold this week, so I thought that the extra sleep might help. I put my hair up, threw on some running clothes and tennies, and headed out. After making a couple quick stops, I arrived at the track to begin my run alone. I did take my Ipod, but wasn't sure if I would use it. Sometimes it just gets on my nerves, but today it seemed to help with the boredom. Sometimes I need something to focus on other than how hard the run is! When I run alone I tend to dwell on being hungry or sore or having to pee!

When I took off, I thought that I would just run 5 miles; my legs had that awful heavy feeling the first few miles. Once I got to 4 miles, I finally began to get into a rhythm. I decided to add an extra mile. I ended up running 6.2 miles, so I was satisfied (but would have been more satisfied with 7!).

My Ipod came in handy, although I really need to upload some more music. I listened first to an album of my favorite 'Jesus' music (contemporary Christian), and then switched to Rod Stewart. What a combination! I read about a website that I can get music from that is specific for running; it supposedly has beats that make you run a certain pace. I might try to get that this weekend. My husband, girls, and I all use the same Itunes account, and when we got Gary's Ipod set up we just sank everything that we had. He usually just uses the shuffle, so he ends up listening to everything from my 'Jesus' and Christmas music to Addison's Disney music. The other night he listened to a podcast that I had for one of my master's classes!

I am trying to decide if I want to participate in a 10K in Evansville in September. I haven't run 6.2 miles very many times, but I really want to try it. I know that I would run slowly, but just finishing that distance would be awesome.

Is it really only Wednesday?

The week would probably be progressing quicker if it weren't for my having a cold. I thought it was just allergies at first, but my nose won't stop running, and the coughing has begun. The worst part of that is that when I get a cough, it tends to hang on for several weeks. I refuse to let it get me down; I just don't have time! I am typing this as I wait to meet Jackie for our evening run.

After running 7.1 miles on Saturday, I was excited to get out there again on Sunday. I had no intention of running 7 again, but hoped to do 5. That was just my brain hoping; my legs were hoping to stay in bed! I knew as soon as I started that it was going to be a tough run. I still started on the 5-mile route (we now have 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7-mile routes!). Once I got partway down Main Street, I just had to walk for a few blocks. It's silly really. I was so disappointed, but why? No one else cares if I stop to walk; obviously I had to listen to my throbbing legs. I walked about 3 blocks, and then started to run again. I feel really odd when I do that. If I have run awhile and then walk, when I start running again all of my muscles are really shaky; it's the strangest feeling - hard to describe. Anyway, I cut my route short, but managed to run the rest of the way. Monday, Jackie and I ran 4 miles at 5 a.m. We are both finding that we like running in the wee hours before daybreak. It's peaceful; we can run in the middle of the street; and we free up our evenings. I don't know that I could do that everyday, but a couple times a week works well. Last night we ran 5 miles, and tonight our mileage is still up in the air. I would like to run 5, but will have to see how it goes.

I have heard that running becomes a passion, and I really believe that. My husband and I are heading to Vegas Labor Day weekend with my sis and her husband, and we are meeting our cousins, and I am looking forward to running early in the morning on the strip! I have a cute little pink container of pepper spray to carry with me because my hubbie is a worrier. Now once I get out there, and experience the intense heat (people say you just don't notice the heat because there is no humidity - how can 100 degrees not feel hot???), I might not be so excited to run. At the very least, I hope that our hotel has a workout room. I know that taking a break for a couple of days wouldn't kill me, but after working so hard to run 6 days a week, I can't imagine taking a 4-day break.

Saturday Morning Runs Rock (today anyway!)

My goal for the morning was to attempt 7 miles while running with my niece, Erin. When I got up, my throat was a bit sore and my nose was runny. I was fully prepared to be satisfied with 6 miles, but I still had a longer route in the back of my mind. We ran for over an hour, saw several friends out along the way, and I was able to keep running. We got Mozart out of the way first; everything else is relatively easy after running up that dreadful hill! We ran all the way down Tell Street to Main, did the Main/7th loop, and then ran the other direction on Main to Hwy. 37. When Gary and I went to measure the distance, it was indeed 7.1 miles! He also had a great run, running over 5 miles for the first time. He had said that once he hit 4 miles, he would just stick with that and try to increase speed. The odd thing is, once one hits a mileage goal, he has to go a little further just to see how far he can make it. One of the great aspects of running is the support of other runners. I was talking to a former co-worker last night at Walmart, and she said she was beginning to run some. I told her about Gary running to the telephone poles, and trying to go to one further pole each time when he first started. My friend said that she is a 'telephone pole' runner right now. That's fabulous! I don't know of anyone who started out just being able to run 5 miles. We all started out slowly, and gradually increased our endurance; that's what it's all about. We all know how tough it is to get started, and that sometimes it just plain sucks. Those of us who have come to enjoy the challenges, the benefits, and the friendships like to share our experiences. Whenever I see someone out who also runs, the conversation undoubtedly will turn to running. Whether one runs a mile or 18 miles (Wes!), we are proud of one another. Are we sometimes envious? Sure, but not in a spiteful way; just in a way that causes each of us to reach one more telephone pole!

It's getting late...

It is getting late, especially since I have to get up before dawn to meet Jackie at 5:00 a.m.! Anyone who knew me in my former out-of-shape life knows that I have NEVER been a morning person. I love to sleep in. I trained my children to sleep in at a young age (I am now paying for that!). Yet here I am, running at 5:00 a.m. so that I can return home in time to shower and get to school. If you know that I have not been a morning person, you also must know that I have been a vain person, and that I did not leave the house without make-up and my hair fixed. My how life has changed! You will now see me around town without make-up - and it isn't pretty! And I have been going to school with wet hair, but that is because I am in this horrible in-between stage of growing my hair out, and I am not so sure what I should do with it. I am not going to use a curling iron daily; I do know that! Anyway, real athletes don't primp! :-)

My week running...it's been a good one! I have begun to really enjoy the longer weekend runs. I say longer, but do not assume that the runs are marathon, or even half-marathon length. I was proud that my niece and I ran 5.8 miles Saturday - until I learned that my friend Wes (who had placed 2nd in a triathlon on Saturday) ran 18 miles on Sunday morning!! I cannot even imagine being able to withstand that many miles of abusing my legs! I am so impressed with what he has managed to accomplish (and he is older than I!). Anyway, Jackie and I also ran Monday and Tuesday morning, and then again on Wednesday evening. We decided to make Thursday our 'off' day, so I just did TurboJam tonight. I hadn't done the weights in over a month, so it was tougher than I had expected. Jackie and I will run 4 miles tomorrow morning, and then Saturday Erin and I will run. I would like to attempt 7 miles, but my body might not agree. I have decided that Saturdays will be the day that I really push to try to go further, faster, or both. Twice this week I have come home from a run and run another mile on our road just for some speed work. Of course, two of the dogs like to tag along, and they manage to run right in front of me, sometimes tripping me. And then there are the potholes to avoid as well as the large rocks. With my luck, after all of this work to learn to run I will end up breaking a leg in my drive!

That's it for now. I am going to crawl into bed, set my alarm, and dream of winning a 5K ~ hey! I can dream! It might just be a senior 5K!!

What a Weekend!

I am beginning to think that I am losing my mind (I know that some of you think that happened long ago!). I have never been a morning person; I love to sleep late! Now here I am getting up early just to subject my body to more abuse! Friday morning Jackie and I ran at 5:15, and the past two mornings - on a weekend! - I have been up before 7:00 to run. I must humbly admit that it feels pretty good. I like having the run over so that I don't have to worry about working it into my day or evening. I feel more energized throughout the day, although an afternoon nap is sounding very enticing!I had good runs both mornings. On Saturday morning I once again ran with my young niece. In order to make me look bad, she runs 4 miles before we even begin! She just has to prove that 42 can never keep up with 22! Anyway, I really wanted to run 6 miles, so we set off to get Mozart Street out of the way first. We then looped around, ran all the way down Tell Street to Main, then down to Washington and around to 7th. We headed back up Tell, and over to the track. This is basically the Schweizer Fest 6-mile course, so I was certain that we had run 6 miles, just not in the order of the race. Being obsessive, I jumped in my car and drove the course to get the exact mileage. It was only 5.8! If you are not a runner, this might seem trivial, but when I am trying to meet a goal, those 2 tenths really matter. I was not happy. Yet, my sensible side was saying you just ran 5.8 miles - how can you not be happy??? I was happy that I had spent quality time sweating with Erin, and that it was a gorgeous morning, and that I didn't puke or pass out. Next Saturday we will run 6!Side note---this was our first weekend since June with no kids and no company :-). We went to Evansville yesterday to go to an antique show and to shop a little. On our way home we stopped for ice cream. And then my hubbie decided he still needed more chocolate, so we stopped at Nobles just to get chocolate Zingers! I ate 3 before bed! This is why I run. This morning as my hubbie and I were preparing to head out for a pre-church run, I noticed I had a text on my phone from Jackie. It was from last night, and I hadn't read it yet. I won't quote her, but suffice it to say that she ran 24 laps on the track, which is, my friends, 6 miles!!!! She had scoffed at running 5 the other night, met that goal, and then went on to add another mile! How great is that? I intended to attempt 6 again this morning, but I had to have ample time to get ready for church, and I had to be there early because I was singing (hey, I might not sing well, but I like it, and God doesn't care!). Gary ran at the track while I hit the streets. I didn't want to run Mozart again, so I decided to run the route that we normally bike; it's a 5 mile route. It was a great run. I got tired, and trudged along at a few points, but overall it went well. I saw several other runners out, which always makes it nice. Kim was out, and we actually passed one another twice. Gosh, she is fast! She just makes it look so easy. I also passed (well...he passed me) Wes. After placing second in a triathlon yesterday, you'd think he'd celebrate by sleeping in. But no, he was still out running. I am going to meet Jackie at 5:10 in the morning. I truly hope that I can keep this madness up. I feel better physically than I have in years! Now step away from your computer, and enjoy this gorgeous August day!

Gosh, this is up and down!

I have said this before, but just when I think it's getting easy, it gets difficult! Jackie and I had a great run in the lightning Monday evening; we both felt awesome the whole time. I couldn't wait to get out on those streets Tuesday and get four miles in. I had had a long day of training at school, so I was anxious to be outside and active. As soon as we started, I needed to pee. It wasn't crucial, but I tend to obsess and think of nothing else. Thank goodness for the Boy Scout meeting at St. Paul's church - the doors were open! I took care of that little problem, and went back to our path. Jackie was really tired, so she stopped to walk awhile and I continued running. We planned to meet once I had gone around a few blocks. By the time we met, I didn't feel good. I just felt this pressure (you don't really need to know more than that). So, we both walked about 1 1/2 miles. We did begin running again, but were both disappointed in our evening.



Not ones to just throw in the towel, we met again last night (Wednesday). It was a gorgeous evening: not too hot, slightly breezy, not humid, and clear. I wanted to get Jackie to that wonderful 5 mile mark, but she was unsure of herself. I nagged and prodded, and we kept going. We did it!! Jackie ran her first 5-mile run, and I was so proud of her. I felt great, even at the end. I am going to run 6 miles Saturday morning with my niece. Of course, it's easy to say that now; I don't know how I will feel Saturday morning. Knowing that I want to keep up with my young niece will help!



My main concern now that school has started is being able to justify being gone every evening. Last night I was gone for 1 hour 45 minutes. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the track, so that's 20 minutes drive time, and then we run for almost an hour, and walk a few laps. Add the stretching, and it makes a long evening. The more miles we run, the longer we are gone. As I begin to have more papers to grade, and the girls need my help, it's going to get difficult. I am not sure how to manage it yet, but will try to come up with a sensible plan. I might just have to run after school a couple of days each week. It is times like this that living in town would be more convenient. But as my husband says, fall is coming, and that's the best time at our house!

I have crossed the threshhold...

...into being a 'real' runner. I lost my first toenail Sunday! For those of you who are unaware, one of the pitfalls of running is toenail trouble (just ask Laura!). They can turn black from the repeated pounding and/or from wearing shoes that are not sized properly. None of mine have turned black, but one fell off, and another is on its way. I actually thought this was just a problem faced by long distance runners such as half-marathoners. Now most of you know that I am a girly-girl, and I do like a nice pedicure occasionally, so missing toenails can present a problem. Fortunately, there was a beautiful new (albeit only partially grown) nail waiting beneath the old one. On top of losing toenails to running, one of our dogs knocked a landscaping brick on one big toe, and that nail is nasty and black. I have attempted to camouflage my little problems with a lovely shade of pink polish ~ but don't try to get a closer look next time you see me!

I am almost afraid to say it, but running is going so well right now. I am no longer sore all of the time; my heals feel okay once I get going; and I actually enjoy the running part and not just the after effects. What progress! Last night Jackie and I ventured out, although rain was imminent. It was a hot day, so running in the rain sounded rather appealing. It didn't rain heavily when we ran, but the lightning got rather fierce. We were about 2 miles from our car when there was a loud clap of thunder and a creapy flash of lightning. We laughed (nervously), and kept running. Every time the sky would flash, we would just look at one another and venture on. I think that running is draining my common sense! I would never let my daughters play out in stormy weather, but there I was, running in the lightning with wet clothes on! Thank goodness I am pretty good with God right now (in my humble opinion).

Teachers returned to school today. Getting back to work will be the real test of my dedication to running. I feel that I have more energy from the continuous exercise, so I hope that I can keep it up. Fortunately my girls do not play fall or winter sports, so at least I don't have to work that into my schedule. Better get ready...we are headed out tonight.

We did it!

Mission accomplished! Jackie, Gary, and I finished our first Schweizer Fest 2 mile run, which was all of our original goals. It was quite a morning. First of all, it is very different, and for me intimidating, to run in one's hometown. I have been a bit jittery at out-of-town 5Ks, but nothing compared to how I felt this morning - starting at 3:00 a.m. I had trouble sleeping, and my stomach was really upset when I woke up. I was even shaking as I texted Jackie. I knew that it was pointless to be nervous; I could easily run 2 miles. Just knowing that I would know many people there (many that I had gone to school with) made me really apprehensive. Once we arrived at the race site, I began to calm down. I kept telling myself that I just had to run my race - a little faster than normal!

I wasn't about to line up in the back because I did want to run in under 20 minutes, and every second counts. I was about in row 3 when the gun went off. I started fast (well, for me), which wasn't really very smart. I maintained a good pace until the 1 mile marker; I ran it in 8:37. Normally I run over 10 minutes miles, so that was really fast for me! Of course, I also realized that that pace was too fast for me because I was getting tired already. I slowed down a little bit, but tried to keep a decent pace. At 1 1/2 miles, I felt like I was going to vomit. It was so humid, and I was pushing hard to keep going. I just kept telling myself that I only had a few more blocks to go, and that I would be so mad at myself if I stopped. I had planned to try to sprint (I use that term very loosely) the last two blocks. By the time I got to that point, I just wanted to finish. I no longer cared about times or about beating anyone. I wanted to finish, and I didn't want to throw up in front of everyone at the finish line. That would be acceptable had I run the 6-mile, but puking after the 2-mile is just not cool.

My fellow teacher, Mr. Rhodes, was near me at the end, but rather than be a gentleman, he cut right in front of me! Next year, Mr. Rhodes! My time was a little over 18:35; I will get the exact time next week. I was completely happy with that. It wasn't long after the end of the 2-milers came in that the 6-milers began to finish. Wow! I was so impressed with the times. My friend, and also fellow teacher, Mrs. Strobel, finished 2nd overall in the women's race. She did awesome! I didn't get to stay for the 6-mile awards because I also played tennis this morning, so I am not sure where my other friends placed. That's a race that just finishing truly is a major accomplishment. Sooo....I placed 2nd in my age group in the 2-mile!!! I was thrilled. I can't tell you how many were in my group - hopefully not just 3! Gary also placed 2nd in his age group. His hip began to hurt at the beginning of the run, and that has never happened before.

Next year I would love to run the 6, but gosh it was awfully hot today. I think that being mentally prepared would be crucial. I would have to just keep a slow steady pace, and be satisfied with finishing. Addison said that next year I should work to win my age group in the 2-mile, and then run the 6 the following year. I just hope that I am still running in 2 years!

Being the athlete that I am :-), Bethany and I played women's doubles in tennis this morning too. Because the tourney has so few entries, we only had to play one match. We won! I played terribly; my serves were just not going in. I would love to play more tennis so that I could play in matches more. But today, I am satisfied. It was worth all the hard work, soreness, and frustrations. Today I ran.

Counting down the days...

School starts in less than a week. Although much has been accomplished this summer, I am sad to see it end. We have had so much company, and I have missed the quiet times with just my husband and kids. As much as I love my extended family, I am a creature of habit, and being out of my routine for this length of time is taking its toll.

The Schweizer Fest 2 mile run is in 3 days. As I reflect over the past few months, remembering that my husband's and my original goal was to just be able to complete the 2 mile without walking, I realize how far we have both come. Just months ago Gary was running to the end of our drive and back trying to build strength and endurance. At that same time I was on the treadmill, proud that I could run 1/4 mile without stopping. Each of us gradually added distance to our runs and encouraged one another to continue. We can both run 4 miles consistently now - Wow! The other night I told Gary that I was so pleased that both of us had taken up running. I am a talker, and if he weren't also running, I know that he wouldn't want to hear my running stories or complaints, and he might be happy for me, but he couldn't understand fully the sense of accomplishment one feels when meeting yet another personal goal.

This morning Jackie and I also talked about how until one runs, he or she can't imagine the determination it takes to get out there and just run. It hurts; it's tiring; it is difficult to breathe; and as older beginners, our bodies take more time to adjust to the pounding of the pavement beneath our feet. Non-runners find it easy to remark about the slow pace of some runners, but the fact that they are running is a testiment to their determination, and they should be commended. At races, runners are supportive of one another. There are some who are there to win, but the majority are there to reach personal goals, and just to enjoy running with others who embrace the sport. At the Owensboro race the crowd cheered just as loudly for the person who finished last as they did for the first one to the finish line. Those are the moments that make the the tough days worth it.

Third 5K of the summer

Rolling out of bed at 4:45 this morning, before the sun was even peeking out, proved to be tough. I hit the snooze, but knew that we had to be pulling out of our drive by 5:15. We were headed to the Strassenfest 5K in Jasper, which is an hour from our house. Because of the time difference, the race began as 7:00 our time. I must say, the fact that it was a beautiful, cool morning made waking up a little more worth the effort, although I was still tired and not in any mood to converse as we drove north.

One idiosyncrasy of my personality is that I have some social anxiety. This was passed down from my mother, who totally avoids crowds at all costs. Though my anxiety didn't really rear its ugly head until my late thirties, my daughters (yes, all of them) already suffer some of the effects. When we attended the Big Ten basketball finals this spring, we were in the middle of a crowd watching the band and cheerleaders, I looked back at my 17 year old, and she had tears streaming down her face. I had to guide her out of the crowd to get some air. Morgan gets panicked if Walmart is over-crowded, and Addison tries to avoid crowds. Even family functions on her dad's side can cause her stress because his family is so large. If you have never had that type of anxiety, it is difficult to understand. In my head I know that it makes no sense, but I just can't control the feeling of panic. I think that all four of us have to see a path out of a crowd, and if we can't, we begin to panic. My chest gets tight, breathing becomes labored, and I just have the fearful feeling - it's awful. Sometimes it doesn't bother me at all, but others I completely freak out and have to leave. This morning was not a good morning.

I don't know how many runners were in this 5K, but I would guess at least 300 (just checked - there were 385!). As we gathered at the starting line, I could just feel everyone close in. I tried to stick it out, but had to move to the side of the road where I at least had a few feet around me. I was near tears, but was not going to back out of the race at that point. I knew that once the starting gun fired, the crowd would thin as the fast runners shot out, and the walkers held back. It seemed to take several minutes for that to happen. The first mile was pretty uncomfortable; everything just got on my nerves, from people talking and laughing, to someone who was just too close to me breathing heavily. So, physically I felt really good, but emotionally I wasn't quite so good. As we approached the halfway point in the run, I heard music - contemporary Christian music - which is my favorite. I then remembered that my good friend Paul Alvey told me that the church he works for would be providing music during the race. That few minutes of focusing on their songs erased all of the stress I had been feeling. I was ready to complete this race.

My pace was slow starting off: 10:24 miles. I had run 10:04 in Owensboro, but there were no hills in that race (yeh, I can justify anything!). Once I reached the last 1/2 mile, I decided to try to speed up. It was flat ground, and I could begin to see the finish line (I also just wanted to pass whomever I could!). I kicked it in and began passing some people. There was one lady left that I wanted to get by, and as I confidently strode by her, I could sense her speeding up. I literally sprinted the last 2 blocks, and so did she (picture two older ladies sprinting toward the finish! I am sure that some of the spectators got a good laugh.). We raced to the end, and I beat her! I was feeling pretty smug, when she came up and thanked me. She said she was glad that I had pushed her, and that she had her best time ever! I was, of course, gracious, and told her I needed the push too. I think my time was just over 31 minutes, but I didn't see it officially.

My husband also had a good run. He beat his Owensboro time, and came in under 40 minutes. Our granddaughter, who was the one who wanted to run this race, did well for her first race. Her time was around 38 minutes. We were proud of her for finishing!

My next race is the 2-mile Schweizer Fest run. Two miles should seem rather easy. My goal is to run it in under 20 minutes. I would love to be able to run the 6-mile, but just don't quite feel prepared for that. Next year!