New Turf

As you may have noticed, spring is an incredibly busy time for the Stath family.  Addison plays tennis on the jr high team, and she throws for the track team, so our time at home and my time to blog is rather limited.  Now that it is summer vacation, I hope to have time to write more.

This weekend, Gary, Addison, and I are in Virginia Beach visiting Gary's daughter and her family.  It has been a fabulous vacation.  We spent our first day hanging out by their pool; Friday we spent at the beach, and then at the Boardwalk browsing and eating.  Today we were registered to run a 5K.  We hadn't run a race since the half marathon in Louisville at the end of April.  I hadn't run a 5K in over a year.  Because it had turned so hot and humid so quickly, my running has been awful.  I have been slow and whiny for the past month.  We decided to run this race despite all of that, so Gary sent in our entries.

This morning, Gary, Tamara, Addison, and I took off for Virginia Wesleyen College.  Tamara had not been to a race, so we were excited for her to be there.  She and Addison hung out while we were out sweating.  The weather was actually pretty decent.  It was hot, but not unbearable.  As we were pulling into the university, a slight panic attack set in.  What was the cause of my anxiety?  We realized that we would be running on grass.  We had never run on grass.  Racing on an unfamiliar surface was not on my agenda for the day.  Would I twist an ankle on an uneven spot?  Slip on the dew-covered grass?  Run slower?  My heart was pounding and my stomach churning.  Why the heck did we sign up for this race?  In Indiana we run on streets.  One would assume that would be the norm.  One would be mistaken.

As is the norm for me, we arrived well ahead of the start time.  There were over 300 runners registered, so there was quite a crowd forming as we drove in.  I truly had no idea what to expect at this race, but I knew that all goals were no longer applicable.  This was new territory.  As we lined up, I just decided to go with the flow, and see what would happen.  I gave Gary a good-luck kiss, and lined up toward the front.  Why start out behind?  The Geico gecko got the runners to their marks (really), and we were off.  I took off fast, and as I do in most races, decided just to go hard as long as I could.  Who knew what was going to happen on the grass?  I might crash and burn before the end of the first mile.

Once I got into a groove, I found that I really didn't mind the green stuff.  It was rather cushiony for these middle-aged legs.  The course wound around the college campus, and was very peaceful.  I found that I was indeed able to maintain a decent pace.  As I was approaching the chute, there was a little boy, probably about eight or nine years old, ahead of me.  Now, sometimes my ego can get the best of me.  Did I really want this little kid to beat me?  Ugh.  I chose to be a grown-up, and when I saw him slow down at the end, I said, "Finish strong!  Keep pushing!"  He took off, and he finished just before I did.  As I neared the chute, I saw the timer, and I knew that my time was going to be respectable.  Heck, it was going to be good!  I heard Tamara and Addison yelling for me, and I pushed forward (although I really felt like puking).  My time was 27:01 - about a 8:42 pace, which is awesome for me.  And it was on a new turf, so it was super awesome!  I ended up placing 5th out of 29 in my age group.  Aah...a good day.

Gary had set a goal of running the race in 38 minutes.  He rocked too!  His time was 36:41 - well below his goal!  He ran under a 12 minute pace, which is great!

Not only did we run well, Gary also won 3 prizes in the raffle, one of which was a $50 gift card to a great restaurant/bakery.  Guess what we did after the race?  We used up that gift card!  We also made a second trip to the running store, and I treated myself to a new running skirt. 

So now that our race is over, we can continue vacationing.  This evening we went to Norfolk for the HarborFest, which was great.  We saw some really cool ships, had some treats, and watched an Indigo Girls concert.  Tomorrow we have a family cookout, and Monday we might head back to the beach.  I love the beach.  I don't really like getting in the ocean; I hate the taste of saltwater, and I don't really like tumbling in the waves.  I do, however, love lying on the beach, listening to the sound of the water, and reading a good book.  Oh, and I will be running the next two days, too.  It is really fun to run in new places.  Tamara lives in a beautiful neighborhood, so I can occupy my mind by looking at the gorgeous homes and meticulous lawns.  And I can dream about winning the lottery and purchasing a second home here in Virginia Beach.  One on the ocean.  In Sandbridge.  That's really large and has a pool.  A girl can dream, can't she?  Might as well dream big!

Thanks for reading...now get out and run!

Summer's Almost Over

The countdown has begun. We only have two more weeks of summer vacation, and I am not certain where the time went. I love my job and look forward to meeting a new batch of students, however I haven't had much down time this summer, and would love a week to do nothing but read and sit by a pool! As it is, this is our last week of hosting our oldest granddaughter, and on Sunday we will meet her parents, drop her off, and bring home her younger sisters. They will be with us next week. My husband will have a few days off while they are here, and I am really looking forward to having him around. Somewhere in this chaos, I have to finish getting my classroom ready for the first day of school. I have most everything ready, but there are always last minute things to take care of.

Running...it is going so well right now. I no longer walk around constantly aware of the soreness in my legs. I am not miserable while I run, especially when Jackie is with me. Having a friend to run with makes the time much more enjoyable. Carrying on a conversation takes my mind off of the hard work. On Saturday Jackie's leg began to hurt too badly to continue, so she went back to the track, and I continued on our route. The whole time my unfit subconscience was using negative talk to try to get me to just stop. My foot hurts. Gosh, my calves are sore today. I am really hungry. It probably isn't very safe to run in the heat when I am hungry. McDonalds sounds really good. Oh, I would love a sausage egg and cheese biscuit. I think I have to pee. I am tired. I just couldn't relax and enjoy the beautiful morning. I made it, though. The 'healthy me' won that battle!

Yesterday morning I met my niece Erin. We had talked about running together for awhile, so I texted her Saturday night and asked her to meet me. I was pretty proud that I was going to be able to run 4 miles with my 22 year old niece. I knew that she would have to ease back on her pace, but I could go the distance. When I arrived, I saw that she was already sweaty. She had run 4 miles on the treadmill before meeting me! There went my confidence! We did have a nice run, and it was great to have some time to chat and get caught up. (I secretly hope she is sore today!)

I ran again this morning, but by myself. I turned the 'Jesus' music on my Ipod, and took off. I wanted to run Mozart Street again, but I also had in the back of my mind to try to add some distance to that run. I normally only run 3.2 miles when running Mozart just because it is a tougher run. This morning I managed to run 5.0! I was actually a bit disappointed because I just knew that with the added distance I had run at least 5.5, but when I drove it I barely hit the 5.0 mark. I know that considering that almost 3 months ago was the first time I ran 2 miles, I should be very pleased (and I am), but I want to eventually get to 6.2 so that I can consider running a 10K.

My husband and I, along with our granddaughter, will be running a 5K this weekend in Jasper. I don't feel that my pace has improved any, but since I have been running further, I hope that the distance will seem easier. The following weekend we run in a 2-mile run. That should be pretty easy! I would like to find some other 5K to run this fall; having an upcoming race is great motivation to get out there and run.

Still Running...

It seems to be getting harder and harder to find time to blog! I can report that I have completed my master's program through Ball State, so classes are finished - until I begin a new program! My hope now is to work on my writing more and to read just for pleasure! There's nothing quite like a good novel on a rainy day.

Running has become such a big part of our lives this summer, I just hope that I can continue to log those miles once school starts. My friend Jackie and I have been running together a lot, which is a wonderful motivator to continue. Last night we ran 4 miles together - in the drizzling rain! I know for certain that we are both hooked! I believe that it was the best that I have felt while running. At no point did I want to stop and walk, and when we finished I felt great. Jackie usually complains about some ache or just the general tiredness that sets in, but she didn't complain the whole run, nor did I. I think that we are both beginning to feel like real runners! Not marathoners or anything like that, but we have both come a long way in a short period of time. For forty-something moms who have never run, we are doing well.

I believe that I have discovered (for myself) another reason to run. Sunday I was suffering from major PMS, which my loving husband would attest to. Some months I am fine, and others I am completely psycho! This was a psycho month. I was really stressed anyway because we have our granddaughter with us, my daughter's friend from Germany was arriving Sunday, and my in-laws were arriving Monday. I felt so tense that I knew I was not worthy of even being around my family. I decided to head out by myself for a run. I turned my 'Jesus' music (it's contemporary Christian) on my Ipod, and I ran - 5 miles. I felt so much better after I had finished. Not only did I desperately need the time alone, but I needed to move. I think that I also have less cramping and bloating since I have been exercising. What a terrific side-effect!

We are signing up for another 5K so that our granddaughter can run with us before she returns to Virginia, and then we have the Schweizer Fest 2-mile on August 8. Our original goal when we began to run was to be able to complete the 2-mile run. I am now running 4-5 miles, and my husband is running 4; the 2-mile will be a piece of cake! My daughter Morgan and I also want to play doubles in the tennis tournament. She might regret playing with her mom when she realizes how inconsistent my serves are! I will continue to sign up for races just because it really makes me work so that I can improve my time. I know that I will never place, even in my age group, but if I can improve my time a little each race, I will be pleased.

Now get away from your computer and do something!

Another 5K completed!

I can't believe that it has been two weeks since I have had time to write! Although we have had an extra child for the past two weeks, and I am finishing up my master's courses, so it isn't like I have been on the couch watching Oprah every day. The good news is that I am still running, and beginning to enjoy it a little more - some days more than others!

After running in the Jasper 5K, I realized that I really needed to work on running hills, so I began to lumber up Mozart Street. I ran it several times the past 2 weeks, and I hated every second of it - that is until I reached the top and thought of the ground that I had covered. Now each time I drive on Mozart, I think I can run this!

One of my best friends, Jackie, has started running, so I have to take a moment to brag on her accomplishments...She is 45 and the mom of three boys; that's exercise in itself! Two weeks ago we ran together for the first time. Her goal is to complete our Schweizer Fest 2-mile run, so we began to work on that. That first evening, she said she just could not get past 1 1/2 miles, so once we hit that mark, she wanted to walk. We did, and then we ran a bit more. Fast forward 2 weeks...Sunday night we ran 3 1/2 miles together! Once she started increasing, she just kept going. I am so happy for her because I know how tough it is, and how easy it would be to give up - especially at our age! Needless to say, 2 miles will be a breeze for her now. I am glad to have someone to run with; it makes the time pass more quickly! I am also happy to be able to encourage her because two of my runner friends, Kim and Laura, have been huge motivators for me. Of course, if Jackie keeps improving at that pace, she will be the one pushing me to go further!

So, about the 5K...my husband and I ran a 5K in Owensboro Saturday evening. It was his first, but since I had already run one, I was an old pro! After running a little too much last week, I had a sore foot, so I wasn't sure that running was the smartest move, but I wasn't about to back out. The evening started out great! As soon as we got to the event, a health fair was finishing up. Some really nice man told us we needed to sign up for a drawing, as he was about to take the box away. My husband, daughter, granddaughter, and I all signed our entries, and when we just finished stuffing in the final one, he took the box and began to draw. The first prize was $100 - he pulled out my name! I don't usually win anything, so I was thrilled. Everyone else in my family won towels. Our granddaughter, Vika, tried to convince me to trade, but to no avail.

After the fair, the girls walked in a 2K fitness walk. It was a good experience for both of them. Next was the 5K. There were about 320 runners. I was pretty happy it was an evening run because I have a lot more energy in the evening. I managed to run the whole time (at my snail pace), as did my husband. We did not run together, but knowing that he was there also participating was really great. Passing people was even greater! I am trying not to be competitive, but I just am. I will never compete with real runners who run 6 or 7 minute miles, but I want to beat someone - even if it's the young mom pushing triplets in a stroller! As I was running at the end of the route, I heard the girls yelling for me. What a feeling! I have spent the last 20 years yelling for my kids as they compete, so it was wonderful to hear them returning the favor! I beat my time from the last 5K, so I was ecstatic. I think a big part of that was that this course was completely flat (yeah!), and the Jasper course was incredibly hilly. After crossing the finish line and having my computer chip removed (those are cool), I grabbed a roll and a banana. It's amazing how good bananas are after running! The girls and I waited for my husband to complete his first ever race. He also crossed that almighty finish line quicker than he had anticipated, so it was a good night. My stats: I was 9 out of 18 in the 40-44 women; 63 out of 180 women in all (that's almost the top third!!!); and my pace time (that's the time for each mile) was 10:04. I had previously been running 11 minute miles, so I was excited. My goal for the next race is to get below 10 minute miles. It might not sound like much, but knocking off those seconds is hard! I have to say that this race was much more fun than the Jasper race. There were big corporate sponsors, and they had a lot going on. One thing I love about the races is that it really doesn't matter where one finishes, everyone cheers and is so supportive. We watched the end of the 10K race, and when the last runner, a lady, came in the stadium, everyone cheered for her! How awesome is that??

And so I am praying that my foot begins to feel better so that I can get out there and really run. I have run, but am taking it easier. Walking all over Nashville in sandals yesterday didn't help a bit!

Debbie, if you are reading this, THANKS!!! I thought Gary was the only one who read it!

Busy Summer

I can't believe that it has been a week since I have blogged! So much has happened, and not all of it is good. Last week my middle daughter accidentally backed over one of our dogs. I honestly didn't think the dog, Gracie, would live. She stayed at the vet's for a week, and we brought her home Monday. Her back legs are paralyzed, but the vet is not certain that it is permanent. I must say, it certainly seems to be. She has no movement in them at all. We carry her outside, but then she can pull herself around with her front paws. It is very sad to watch.

My oldest daughter lost her job, just two weeks after purchasing her car (that I co-signed for). The company she worked for has a reputation for firing; their turn-around rate is quite high. Morgan wants to move to Nashville, so this might just be the motivation she needs to get moving.

Exercise...it's still going well. There was a point about a week or two ago that I just wanted to quit running. It wasn't getting any easier, and I was tired (it doesn't help that it is still early in the summer, and it is in the 90s already!). It has gotten much better. Sunday night I pushed it and ran 4 miles, and last night I ran 4 1/2 miles!! If someone had told me a year ago that I would be able to run that far, I would have never believed it. By gradually building up, I am able to go further. My husband has run 3 miles the last two times we went out. This Saturday is my first 5K run in Jasper, IN. I am nervous because I don't really run hills, and I know the course has some. I am just going to go up there and run. I don't intend to place, but I hope I don't get beat by an 80 year old man!

One thing about running that was bothering me was that I couldn't just relax and think about other things. I would dwell on every ache or on how much further I had to go. I am beginning to be able to just get into a pace and think about other things - but I do go back to thinking about how hard it is. I used to walk a lot, and I really enjoyed being able to just have the solitude to think. I hope that I get to that point with running.

...But I did it last night!

Last night I was determined, the weather was great, and I ran 3 miles - well, it was actually about 2.95 miles, so I will have to work on my route a bit. I felt great afterward. It is hard to believe that just 2 months ago I was so excited to be able to run a mile, and now I have made it 3! I hope that I can keep it up. My husband also ran, but we don't run together. My daughter rode her bike along with me, which made it go much quicker. There is a 5K run on June 27 that I am considering entering, but deep down I am really a chicken. I know that the most important goal would be to finish the race, but I really don't want to come in last place in my division. I do have a little competitiveness in me.

This morning Morgan and I met to play tennis. I actually played better than I did last week. I had a few decent shots, but my serves are horrible. I am constantly telling Bethany to get her toss up so that she doesn't hit it into the net, but I had many low tosses. There were also times that I truly thought I could get to the ball, but was a few inches short of making it. I am going to keep it up - it is much easier to hit a big yellow ball with a racquet than a little white ball with a club!

This evening we plan to bike. I plan to go 10 miles, but I don't know if that's what my husband plans. It should be a beautiful evening, so I think that we can make it.