The coming of a new year always brings with it time for reflection. 2012 is no different. Once the Christmas decorations were down, the last of the cookies were eaten, and Morgan and her family had headed back to Louisiana, I had some time to look back at 2011, and to plan for 2012.
2011 was certainly a memorable year, and one that I was not sad to see go. Watching my sister worry as her husband suffered a heart attack, and then grieving with her as she faced the tragic death of her son was heartwrenching. My family came together to support my sister and nieces as we all felt the devastation, sadness, and some guilt over Steve's death. My sister and I both have a strong faith, and it has carried us through many trying times throughout our lives. We both believe that in the midst of struggles, there are always lessons to be learned. I learned the importance of being there for friends when they are suffering. I have made more of an effort to send cards and visit, even when it might not be convenient. We were so touched by the acts of kindness shown to us during the weeks following Steve's death; it is important to show that same kindness when others are grieving.
There were some great things about 2011 as well. I had a successful surgery in February, and was able to run a half marathon 12 weeks later. I became a grandmother. I learned that becoming a grandmother is pretty awesome! I had my first children's book published, and published a book about running through Amazon Kindle. Publishing Dear Daddy also taught me many, many lessons about the publishing business. Unfortunately, those lessons were learned the hard way! We were blessed to have all of Gary's family here for Thanksgiving, and all of my family here for Christmas. And I went ziplining with my sister, cousin, and two of my daughters. Check that off the bucket list!
I don't really make resolutions for a new year. I am always reflecting on where I am in life, and where I want to be. Like most people I know, I always have to get back on track with diet and exercise after the new year. After a month of devouring cookies and cakes, it is time to scale back and to run more. I try to set some goals for the year. I hope to republish Dear Daddy this year. I want to find a more traditional publisher (like I said, I learned some lessons the hard way!). I want to get another children's book published. I am going to begin a new project about the aging. I plan to run a half marathon this spring and fall. I want to continue to go to Zumba classes, and to encourage others to begin an exercise plan. I would say that I want to eat better, but that just doesn't happen with me. I just don't like vegetables, and fruit (except the occasional banana) does nothing for me. I want to focus on the positive, and eliminate negative people from my life. Unless, of course, I can help them become more positive! I will embrace my friends and make them feel valued. I will cherish my family and always tell them I love them. I will enjoy the year with my husband, running, browsing for antiques, and visiting our kids and grandkids.
One goal that I have is to be present in the moment. I sometimes feel that we are always looking forward to something, and forget to enjoy the moment we are in. This is also true when we are with others. I have worked really hard the past few years to become a better listener. After reading something about listening, I realized that rather than listening to someone, I was often busy planning my response. Now I try to truly listen, and have finally realized that just because someone wants to share something with me, doesn't mean that he or she wants my opinion on the matter. We often want to share our own experiences or we share that we know someone who faced the same or a similar situation. People don't want to hear that. They want me to listen to their situation and to be present while listening. I am pretty full of opinions, so this took a lot of work for me!
I am looking forward to this new year. I am excited about upcoming projects, and that Morgan will be moving to Kansas this summer. She will be much closer to home, which means I will be able to see Layne more. I am ready to get back into a running routine. I always slack off in November and December, and then get back into it in January. Jackie and I ran this morning to start our 2012 running season. The windchill was 15 degrees and the wind was wicked! I don't mind the cold, but the wind pushed against us as we trudged down the street. I love the challenge of winter runs, but I wasn't prepared to start today - especially since it was in the upper 40s when we ran two days ago!
What are your goals and dreams for 2012? For me, having goals makes my life so much more interesting. I might not meet all that I have set, but I am not afraid to try. Sometimes trying is an accomplishment in itself!
Happy 2012 - Make it count!!
Showing posts with label friends running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends running. Show all posts
Monday, January 2, 2012
Sunday, October 3, 2010
One Week From Today...
It's a gorgeous day today: temps in the low 60s and sunny. The best part is that I am at home! After an incredibly busy week, I was determined to stay home, and to do what I wanted, which thus far has included staying in bed until 10:15, watching a worthless Lifetime movie, eating Grippos chips and monster cookies leftover from a band party last night, straightening up from said party, and working on laundry. I do have a rather large stack of papers that need to be graded, and I vow to get to that, but first I needed to write. Since school started I haven't had much time to update my blog. Between work, running, band obligations, and Thirty-One parties, spare time is at a minimum. Life should slow down a bit in November - oh, wait - then holiday preparations begin, so maybe it will be January before things slow down.
One week from today is the Evansville Half Marathon. I, along with Gary and several friends, am running it. A half marathon is 13.1 miles. That's a long way to run. Jackie and I have run 13.1 miles, so we know that we can complete the mileage - in Tell City, on our familiar routes, without 3000 other runners, and without the pressure of having to finish. Can we run it in a race? We are not concerned with placing (that would be crazy), we just want to finish in a respectable time, without walking, puking, or injuring ourselves. We have trained adequately according to all of the literature, but one just never knows what kind of day it will be. My stomach is my main concern (Thanks, Mom, for giving me your unpredictable stomach!). I know what to eat, but my stomach is the first to go when I am nervous, and I certainly don't want to spend time in a porta-potty! The most nerve-racking part will be the drive to Evansville - at 4:30 in the morning - and just waiting for the gun to go off. Once we are about a mile into it, I will relax and get into a groove. Jackie and I plan to stick together; we have spent countless hours pounding the pavement together, so we want to complete this journey together (and neither of us wants to spend two hours and twenty minutes running alone - we like to chat). Our other running partner, Jennifer, will be much faster than the two of us, so we are counting on her to be doing cartwheels at the finish line as we cross! I have often read that visualizing a goal does wonders for achieving that goal, so I have been visualizing Jackie and I crossing that finish line, and I have a spot reserved on my car for a 13.1 sticker. There was a time, not too long ago, that running a half marathon was not even a consideration. Now it's actually a possibility. I can't wait to join other runners as I reach this life-goal.
Last weekend, Gary, my sister Bobbi, and I ran the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. If you ever have an opportunity to participate in this event, take it. It is an awe-inspiring morning. It is not about running fast; it is about supporting an important cause. Both years that we have run, the weather has been perfect. My favorite shirts of the day: "Save 2nd Base" (get it??) and "Just for Tits and Giggles".
There were 14,000 people registered for the Race for the Cure! The majority were walkers. I decided to run with my sister, and I am so glad that I did. She hadn't been running much, but ran 3.1 miles that morning without stopping. I was so impressed! The second half of the race we were also with Gary. That was the first race that he and I crossed the finish line together. I am so proud that he continues to challenge himself. I believe that he has inspired a lot of people who have seen him out running. Most know that he has an artificial knee, and that running isn't easy for him. What a testament to the power of desire and dedication!
If you are awake at 7:00 am next Sunday, say a little prayer for me. I will be shaking in my Asics! I will most certainly be writing about my experience, and who knows, maybe next year some of you will join us! I want to wish Jackie, Jennifer, Kim, and Jennifer C good luck in the race!! Kim, we know you will kick butt - make us proud!!
One week from today is the Evansville Half Marathon. I, along with Gary and several friends, am running it. A half marathon is 13.1 miles. That's a long way to run. Jackie and I have run 13.1 miles, so we know that we can complete the mileage - in Tell City, on our familiar routes, without 3000 other runners, and without the pressure of having to finish. Can we run it in a race? We are not concerned with placing (that would be crazy), we just want to finish in a respectable time, without walking, puking, or injuring ourselves. We have trained adequately according to all of the literature, but one just never knows what kind of day it will be. My stomach is my main concern (Thanks, Mom, for giving me your unpredictable stomach!). I know what to eat, but my stomach is the first to go when I am nervous, and I certainly don't want to spend time in a porta-potty! The most nerve-racking part will be the drive to Evansville - at 4:30 in the morning - and just waiting for the gun to go off. Once we are about a mile into it, I will relax and get into a groove. Jackie and I plan to stick together; we have spent countless hours pounding the pavement together, so we want to complete this journey together (and neither of us wants to spend two hours and twenty minutes running alone - we like to chat). Our other running partner, Jennifer, will be much faster than the two of us, so we are counting on her to be doing cartwheels at the finish line as we cross! I have often read that visualizing a goal does wonders for achieving that goal, so I have been visualizing Jackie and I crossing that finish line, and I have a spot reserved on my car for a 13.1 sticker. There was a time, not too long ago, that running a half marathon was not even a consideration. Now it's actually a possibility. I can't wait to join other runners as I reach this life-goal.
Last weekend, Gary, my sister Bobbi, and I ran the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. If you ever have an opportunity to participate in this event, take it. It is an awe-inspiring morning. It is not about running fast; it is about supporting an important cause. Both years that we have run, the weather has been perfect. My favorite shirts of the day: "Save 2nd Base" (get it??) and "Just for Tits and Giggles".
There were 14,000 people registered for the Race for the Cure! The majority were walkers. I decided to run with my sister, and I am so glad that I did. She hadn't been running much, but ran 3.1 miles that morning without stopping. I was so impressed! The second half of the race we were also with Gary. That was the first race that he and I crossed the finish line together. I am so proud that he continues to challenge himself. I believe that he has inspired a lot of people who have seen him out running. Most know that he has an artificial knee, and that running isn't easy for him. What a testament to the power of desire and dedication!
If you are awake at 7:00 am next Sunday, say a little prayer for me. I will be shaking in my Asics! I will most certainly be writing about my experience, and who knows, maybe next year some of you will join us! I want to wish Jackie, Jennifer, Kim, and Jennifer C good luck in the race!! Kim, we know you will kick butt - make us proud!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Catchin' Up
This title is appropriate in may aspects of my life right now! First, I haven't posted on Traxee or my blog (which is actually the same post, just copied and pasted) for a couple of weeks. I love to write, but have been incredibly busy. My daughter once wrote a story for class entitled 'Unfortunately, Fortunately', in which something negative led to something postive, which led to something negative, and so on. So, unfortunately, my friend Jennifer (whom I had planned to run with this evening) is suffering from plantar fasciatis (no idea how to spell that), and not being able to run makes Jennifer a very unhappy chick. Fortunately, that means I don't have to - I mean 'get to' - run this evening, so I have time at the computer. Unfortunately, that means very low calorie burn (though my fingers are flying); fortunately, I don't really care. I am tired. Getting back into the groove of spending my days with 26 smiling eight-year-olds is definitely tiring. It will take about a month before I am not completely exhausted at the end of every day.
The Schweizer Fest race...the race that I stressed over for weeks...the one I almost wimped out on...the one with the mile-long HILL. It was run on August 14. I was there. I ran it. Six miles in heat and humidity that caused even the real runners to question their sanity. I woke up that morning...actually, I didn't really sleep much the night before...and prepared myself. I ate bread with honey on it (carbs, sugar, and it didn't upset my stomach), and I sat on the deck and had a heart-to-heart with God. I didn't ask for much. I just told Him I was freaking out about this race, and that I wanted to finish without vomiting my bread and honey in front of the fine citizens of Tell City. I just wanted to give it my all. When I get nervous, I don't talk much. My husband tolerates those little quirks, so he didn't push it that morning. Although he admitted that he was a little nervous too, he seemed all calm. Why can't I be like that???
We arrived early, as I always do, and located my friends. I was really excited because several of my friends, many of whom are my co-workers, are new runners, and had planned to run the 2-mile race. Because my 25-year class reunion was that evening, there were several of my classmates participating as well. I tried to work through my jitters, even posing for pictures with friends, but my stomach was churning! My running partner Jackie and I decided to jog a block or two toward the starting line. Once there, we got our spot and waited for the gun. Gosh, it was hot already! Our plan was to run together, but if one of us needed to go faster or slower, that was fine. Finally, it was time. The moment we had trained for and talked about all summer had arrived. Our mayor welcomed the 450 runners, and the gun blasted through the humid air. We were off. Any runner who races knows that it is difficult not to get caught up in the crowd at the start of a race. Of course, we couldn't keep up with the 6-minute runners, but for a short bit of time, we did keep up with those 7 1/2 minute runners. I had on my trusty Garmin, and Jackie kept asking how fast we were running. When I told her, her response was, "We can't run that fast!!" Maybe not for 6 miles, but we could for almost a mile. I told her we were just warming up, and that we would slow down and get into our groove. Afterall, we knew about the ominous hill that lay ahead. We knew we had to conserve some strength and energy.
Jackie and I were very fortunate that morning. We have some amazing friends who crawled out of bed, came down to the race, and cheered us on. How great is that? Joani and Lori are two of Jackie's besties, and friends of mine as well. They actually drove to several points on the course and cheered as we ran by. Two of my besties, Debbie and Melony, stood on a corner that I ran by 3 times. Having these ladies there was such a boost! The first part of the race loops around our Main Street. After that loop, we headed out a long street toward the hill. As we started that way, Debbie and Melony were there encouraging me along. Jackie and I got into our pace and stayed together the first 3 miles. As we began to ascend the hill, I pulled ahead slightly. I push hard on hills, mostly because I want to get it over with! I ran the rest of the race alone, knowing Jackie was close behind. The hill was hard, but I didn't hold back. I walked through the water stop, but started running as soon as I had a drink. I knew if I could just get to the top of the hill, the rest of the race would be rather easy. I climbed that hill, my breathing sounding like a woman in labor, and my arms pumping hard to move me forward. I saw a few people walking, and was so proud that I didn't have to. At the top, I rounded the curve, worked to catch my breath and get back into a rhythm, and paced myself for the rest of the course. Another person that I cannot fail to mention is our unpaid coach, Tom. I also saw him a couple of times, and just knowing he was there was encouraging. Tom has answered all of our questions, and is always open with advice and strategies. Sometimes we are stubborn and don't listen, like when he says we should run the hill several times in one session, but he is very much appreciated. When I had a little more than a half mile to go, I saw Tom coming toward me. He told me to keep pushing, and that I looked strong. Now, I know I didn't really look strong at that point, but hearing those words made me tell myself that I am strong, and that I could finish strong. I don't really know about other runners, but sometimes when I am running a race, I have some really weird self-talk. I could see about 15 blocks ahead of me as I was running the final long stretch of the race. At the end of that stretch where we would turn back onto Main Street toward the finish, there was a police car parked with its lights on. My self-talk: Run to the light...just run to the light. I know, it's strange, but it got me through. I bet if other runners were to admit it, they would be thinking some pretty strange thoughts too. Wouldn't they?
As I turned back on to Main Street, with only two blocks to go, Debbie and Melony were still there, and they were still cheering for me. At that point, they knew that I had already met one of my goals, and when they pointed it out, it made me smile, and it made me sprint (my old-lady sprint). I really do not like being the center of attention, and there were a lot of people lining the finish line and standing around in that area. There were no runners within a block of me, behind or in front. I was crossing that line alone. Please don't take that to mean I was fast, it's just that the ones who were fast had long-before crossed, and I was ahead of a few people. I could hear my name being shouted, but I looked straight ahead. I spotted my daughter immediately, and headed toward her. My time: 57:11! Not the fastest I had run the course, but given the severe heat, I will take it! Bethany grabbed some water for me, and I headed back to the finish line to cheer on Jackie, a couple of other friends, and, of course, my husband. Jackie finished about a minute behind me, which meant that she had met her goal of running it in under one hour. We rocked! We were hot, sweaty, and smelly, but we were also relieved, thrilled, and exhilerated. It was amazing to spend the next hour with my running friends and husband. We had all worked so hard to get to that point, and I wanted to share that moment with them.
So, the results of the chicks I run with or discuss running with (my dear friends and companions):
Me - 3rd in age group; Jackie - 1st in age group; Jennifer (ran the 2 mile) - 2nd in age group; Beth - placed in age group (sorry, Beth, can't remember place :-(); Laura - (ran 2 mile) 2nd in age group; Kim - the running queen - won the women's 6-mile with an amazing time that I can't remember because it isn't even in my realm of running speed! Gary - not a chick - ran 6-mile in 1:20:00, and did awesome! Another group that I am so happy for is that group of new runners who laced up their sneakers and ran their very first race that morning: Kassi, Lori, Emily, Annette, Kelli, and Amy (I don't think it was Amy's first, but it was her first in a long time). Witnessing their excitement was great. (And, by the way, there were a few pukers at the end of the race, and I wasn't one of them!)
Thanks, friends, for encouraging me to step up and run this race! I am so glad that I did, and I know I would have regretted not running it. What's next on the agenda? I haven't actually signed up yet, but Jackie, Jennifer, Gary, and I plan to run a half marathon on October 10. I am not completely convinced of my ability to run that far, but I am surely going to try. That race will not be about speed at all; it will simply be about the thrill of finishing 13.1 stinkin' miles. That just sounds so far. My husband and I would really like to run the Indy Mini in May. I sounds a little fun, although I am not much into crowds, and 30,000 runners make quite a crowd! Perhaps some good anti-anxiety meds will be in order!
The Schweizer Fest race...the race that I stressed over for weeks...the one I almost wimped out on...the one with the mile-long HILL. It was run on August 14. I was there. I ran it. Six miles in heat and humidity that caused even the real runners to question their sanity. I woke up that morning...actually, I didn't really sleep much the night before...and prepared myself. I ate bread with honey on it (carbs, sugar, and it didn't upset my stomach), and I sat on the deck and had a heart-to-heart with God. I didn't ask for much. I just told Him I was freaking out about this race, and that I wanted to finish without vomiting my bread and honey in front of the fine citizens of Tell City. I just wanted to give it my all. When I get nervous, I don't talk much. My husband tolerates those little quirks, so he didn't push it that morning. Although he admitted that he was a little nervous too, he seemed all calm. Why can't I be like that???
We arrived early, as I always do, and located my friends. I was really excited because several of my friends, many of whom are my co-workers, are new runners, and had planned to run the 2-mile race. Because my 25-year class reunion was that evening, there were several of my classmates participating as well. I tried to work through my jitters, even posing for pictures with friends, but my stomach was churning! My running partner Jackie and I decided to jog a block or two toward the starting line. Once there, we got our spot and waited for the gun. Gosh, it was hot already! Our plan was to run together, but if one of us needed to go faster or slower, that was fine. Finally, it was time. The moment we had trained for and talked about all summer had arrived. Our mayor welcomed the 450 runners, and the gun blasted through the humid air. We were off. Any runner who races knows that it is difficult not to get caught up in the crowd at the start of a race. Of course, we couldn't keep up with the 6-minute runners, but for a short bit of time, we did keep up with those 7 1/2 minute runners. I had on my trusty Garmin, and Jackie kept asking how fast we were running. When I told her, her response was, "We can't run that fast!!" Maybe not for 6 miles, but we could for almost a mile. I told her we were just warming up, and that we would slow down and get into our groove. Afterall, we knew about the ominous hill that lay ahead. We knew we had to conserve some strength and energy.
Jackie and I were very fortunate that morning. We have some amazing friends who crawled out of bed, came down to the race, and cheered us on. How great is that? Joani and Lori are two of Jackie's besties, and friends of mine as well. They actually drove to several points on the course and cheered as we ran by. Two of my besties, Debbie and Melony, stood on a corner that I ran by 3 times. Having these ladies there was such a boost! The first part of the race loops around our Main Street. After that loop, we headed out a long street toward the hill. As we started that way, Debbie and Melony were there encouraging me along. Jackie and I got into our pace and stayed together the first 3 miles. As we began to ascend the hill, I pulled ahead slightly. I push hard on hills, mostly because I want to get it over with! I ran the rest of the race alone, knowing Jackie was close behind. The hill was hard, but I didn't hold back. I walked through the water stop, but started running as soon as I had a drink. I knew if I could just get to the top of the hill, the rest of the race would be rather easy. I climbed that hill, my breathing sounding like a woman in labor, and my arms pumping hard to move me forward. I saw a few people walking, and was so proud that I didn't have to. At the top, I rounded the curve, worked to catch my breath and get back into a rhythm, and paced myself for the rest of the course. Another person that I cannot fail to mention is our unpaid coach, Tom. I also saw him a couple of times, and just knowing he was there was encouraging. Tom has answered all of our questions, and is always open with advice and strategies. Sometimes we are stubborn and don't listen, like when he says we should run the hill several times in one session, but he is very much appreciated. When I had a little more than a half mile to go, I saw Tom coming toward me. He told me to keep pushing, and that I looked strong. Now, I know I didn't really look strong at that point, but hearing those words made me tell myself that I am strong, and that I could finish strong. I don't really know about other runners, but sometimes when I am running a race, I have some really weird self-talk. I could see about 15 blocks ahead of me as I was running the final long stretch of the race. At the end of that stretch where we would turn back onto Main Street toward the finish, there was a police car parked with its lights on. My self-talk: Run to the light...just run to the light. I know, it's strange, but it got me through. I bet if other runners were to admit it, they would be thinking some pretty strange thoughts too. Wouldn't they?
As I turned back on to Main Street, with only two blocks to go, Debbie and Melony were still there, and they were still cheering for me. At that point, they knew that I had already met one of my goals, and when they pointed it out, it made me smile, and it made me sprint (my old-lady sprint). I really do not like being the center of attention, and there were a lot of people lining the finish line and standing around in that area. There were no runners within a block of me, behind or in front. I was crossing that line alone. Please don't take that to mean I was fast, it's just that the ones who were fast had long-before crossed, and I was ahead of a few people. I could hear my name being shouted, but I looked straight ahead. I spotted my daughter immediately, and headed toward her. My time: 57:11! Not the fastest I had run the course, but given the severe heat, I will take it! Bethany grabbed some water for me, and I headed back to the finish line to cheer on Jackie, a couple of other friends, and, of course, my husband. Jackie finished about a minute behind me, which meant that she had met her goal of running it in under one hour. We rocked! We were hot, sweaty, and smelly, but we were also relieved, thrilled, and exhilerated. It was amazing to spend the next hour with my running friends and husband. We had all worked so hard to get to that point, and I wanted to share that moment with them.
So, the results of the chicks I run with or discuss running with (my dear friends and companions):
Me - 3rd in age group; Jackie - 1st in age group; Jennifer (ran the 2 mile) - 2nd in age group; Beth - placed in age group (sorry, Beth, can't remember place :-(); Laura - (ran 2 mile) 2nd in age group; Kim - the running queen - won the women's 6-mile with an amazing time that I can't remember because it isn't even in my realm of running speed! Gary - not a chick - ran 6-mile in 1:20:00, and did awesome! Another group that I am so happy for is that group of new runners who laced up their sneakers and ran their very first race that morning: Kassi, Lori, Emily, Annette, Kelli, and Amy (I don't think it was Amy's first, but it was her first in a long time). Witnessing their excitement was great. (And, by the way, there were a few pukers at the end of the race, and I wasn't one of them!)
Thanks, friends, for encouraging me to step up and run this race! I am so glad that I did, and I know I would have regretted not running it. What's next on the agenda? I haven't actually signed up yet, but Jackie, Jennifer, Gary, and I plan to run a half marathon on October 10. I am not completely convinced of my ability to run that far, but I am surely going to try. That race will not be about speed at all; it will simply be about the thrill of finishing 13.1 stinkin' miles. That just sounds so far. My husband and I would really like to run the Indy Mini in May. I sounds a little fun, although I am not much into crowds, and 30,000 runners make quite a crowd! Perhaps some good anti-anxiety meds will be in order!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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!
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!
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