Space Coast Half Marathon

I woke this morning after a very rough night of very little sleep. I turned on the tv and checked the weather mid 50s with 73% humidity. I prayed it wouldn't get much warmer. I called Sueann and made sure she was up. I was tired and not feeling motivated. I got dressed and ready, made my muffin with laughing cow cheese, grabbed my banana, water and gear and headed out the door. I picked Sueann up and headed to the race site in Cocoa, it was at the same race site as Pumpkins so we knew right were to go!


We pull in at the race site, get our D tags and bibs on and headed for the park. It was chilly right next to the water. As we got into the park we called Suezette and found her and her husband. I texted Jeanine to let her know we were there. They found us and we all chit chatted before Jeanine and CC went to get their fuel belts and find Magda. We hit the potties 3 times before race start. Nerves!!

As we approach the start line the realization of how big this race was became obvious. Suezette, Sueann and I split from Jeanine, CC and Magda and slid into the crowd. We got our picture taken as the crowd started moving. We had no idea the race had started. We slowly start walking forward, speeding up as we get close to the start mats. We run through Cocoa Village and out onto a road that runs alongside the intercoastal, the weather is perfect out and even though it is still dark the Christmas lights on houses and the lights on the water make this a peaceful, scenic run.

The first 2 miles my ankle was burning, but it let up. I lost track of when I lost Sueann and Suezette, but by mile 4 Suezette had caught up with me. We chatted and time flew by, we passed Jeff Galloway (he was already headed back from the turn around) and his wife and Suezette pointed them out to me. We took our first walk break at the turn around, it was a hair pin turn and we had just grabbed water. Suezette also took the time to let her husband know she was 1/2 done. We were still feeling good and having fun conversation. Suezette was terrified of the 11 mile mark, I kept reassuring her, I'd be there, I'd drag her across that finish line if I had to. We ran past the 11 mile mark and she was feeling good! I was starting to fatigue, the very little sleep I had gotten over the last 4 days was kicking in. At 12.5 miles I told Suezette to finish strong, she felt bad for leaving me, but I wanted her to make her goal. She finished at 2:36:01, I finished right behind her at 2:36:41. Sueann was only 5 minutes behind us. CC and Jeanine had finished just over 2 hours.

Once we got across the finish, we got our medals and beach towels, took pictures with the "finisher astronaut" and then went and grabbed a slice of pizza and water and streched. We stayed and waited on Magda (Smurfette) to come in from her marathon to cheer her in and then we all said our goodbyes. Sueann and I headed home to some hot epsom salt baths!

I'm now finally finishing this...sitting on the couch with thermacare wraps around my knees, the only thing bothering me. They were like this after the 15K and the next day they were fine. Today I didn't have the bad groin pain, so I think tomorrow I will be better than after the 15K! I think the marathon is becoming more attainable! I have 5 months left and a lot of ground to make up after my time off. I know I have plenty of time, I know what I am capable of. I know with Sueann and all my Spark friends, family and friends off of Spark I can so do it! If I can pull off a half without training properly (NOT RECOMMENDED!) I know with training that I am capable of anything!!

Paul DeBryun 15K

Wow! I am still in shock. I stayed up later than planned last night watching Up with the family. I had a horrible time getting to sleep (last I looked at the clock it was after 11. When the alarm went off at 3:45 all I wanted to do was go back to bed!!! I don't know how Jeanine and CC got up as early as they did! I got around, took a bath (forgot to shave last night LOL.) I e-mailed back and forth with Sueann, got a call from Jeanine when they got into New Smyrna and headed out the door to get Sueann.


The morning was cool and clear at around 55, the temp fell off when we got to the restaurant the race was starting at. We found Jeanine and CC and went through all the pre-race stuff. When it was time to line up the 30Kers (CC and Jeanine) were starting further back and on the other side of A1A. When we started I hung with Sueann, I stayed with her the first 3 miles before I slowly started pulling away. We saw the most beautiful sunrise with a cloud bank on the horizon and waves crashing on the beach. I really wished I had had my camera! I took it really easy and ran my slowest 5K ever I had just passed the 5K mark when the winner flew by the other way..he took it in under 60 minutes (I think they said 53 and some change)...HOLY SPEED DEMON!!! Then a slow 10K, I don't know if it was my slowest, I'd have to go back and look. I was starting to get fatigued at 7 miles, got a gel down and started feeling better. I saw Jeanine and CC going into their 2nd 15K in the last 1/2 mile of mine. I was stoked, I hadn't walked a pace, not even for water or gels. I actually managed to get to an 8:18/mile for the end. I had no idea when I got to the finish I had gashed a toe open with a toenail from another toe. My shoe was covered in blood, they told me when I came across the finish. I had noticed my sock sticking to me and was confused after the first 5 miles but ignored it. There was enough blood I couldn't find where it was coming from and I couldn't tell where it was coming from. The one day I forget my flip flops! I crossed the finish line at 1:48:42. Sueann crossed 4 minutes behind me, she also ran the whole thing!!!!

I know now I'll be OK for Space Coast as long as I keep it steady. I need to stretch better after, I'm a little sore now, but I'm so happy.

I even had negative splits!!! First 5K - 37:44 2nd 5K - 36:32 and the final 5K - 34:26. Avg Pace was 11:44. Considering the farthest I've run in over 2 months was the 5 miles I pulled Friday...HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!

I will run that race again, it was nice. We ran asphalt, hard packed sand, cement and wooden boardwalk. My favorite part!!!! I always love running the boardwalk!!

I have to give CC kudos for pulling off a 30K!! You did awesome CC!! I also want to give Jeanine a huge kudos, she attempted a 30K with the flu! I had no idea she was that sick, that is hard core!!!! Awesome job, you almost had it!!!!!! I'm soooo proud of the 3 girls (Sueann, CC and Jeanine) who ran the race today I can't even put it into words!!!

I'm ready for a nap! I think I darn well deserve it! I now know, I was made for distance not speed! I enjoyed the 15K distance the most of the distances I've done, I'm think the 15K or the 1/2 may just be my distance!!

Paint the Town 5K

Most of you know I've been battling some hip issues for the last 2 months. It has been really hard on me as I haven't been able to run without pain and extreme tightness when I am done. I had a massage Thursday with a new therapist who spent a lot of time working the kinetic chain of my left side. He worked my back, my buttock and my leg, paying attention to the TFL, gluteus medius, minimus, the piriformis and the IT band. I had no idea my left IT band was that tight! He loosened it some, I hydrated really well and did a yoga stretch before bed like he recommended. Friday and Saturday, I worked with the foam roller and stretched before bed, like advised.


I got up this morning, my right side was sore! Not my left. What the heck? It quickly worked itself out and I spent some time on the roller working my glutes and left IT band. I got ready and was feeling OK. I knew the test is when I would have to get out of the car, if it hurts the run is going to suck. It didn't bother me that bad. I didn't want to risk a big warm up to where I might inflame the area. We lined up, it was really breezy and starting to get warm. The first mile went well, but 1.25 I had to stop and walk, my lungs hated me. I am soooo out of shape from not being able to run. I walked for a minute then ran some more until my lungs needed another break, this went on for the rest of the race. At 2.85 miles I decided no matter how hard my lungs had to work I was going to finish strong and at least get a course record. I knew at the beginning there would be no PR. I came around the corner and the wind hit me like a brick wall, I slowed down, decided to fight it and powered on to the bridge, this part hurt. I was running a slight incline in to heavy wind. I was so happy to crest the bridge to try and pick up the pace on the downhill into the finishing chute.

I have really had to tell myself, I did my best, I know I could have PRed on this race if I had pushed harder, however, if I had I could be in bad shape now. Sueann was right behind me by 2 minutes. She had a massive side stitch and I could see her struggling to breathe. She made it though and I had to coach her through the best I could. We got our water, lined up for a nice spread of fruit and bagels, then to the chiropractic tent to get stretched by the pros! This was the more painful but best part. I had an intern who really worked my sore spots. I wouldn't know how well he had done until I got home. It didn't hurt to get out of the car! After runs, sitting for 15+ minutes make standing extremely painful. I can feel the area, but the pain is minimal, just some soreness.

I'm going to continue aggressively with therapy from the massage therapist and I will be seeing the intern who worked on me today for myofascial release. I am hoping that by Space Coast I will be able to get my fitness back up cardio wise, muscle wise I will be fine. So I'm not as depressed today, things ARE looking up!!!

Pumpkins in the Park 5K

Kevin suggested I should run this race as his boss and co-worker were going to be there. So I talked Sueann into it, not that it was a hard thing to do :) We got to the race site, then Sueann called, we are almost 50 miles off and with an hour to go her husband hadn't gotten home yet. I was freaked she wouldn't make it. I didn't get in a much needed warm up to get my hip loose before the race as Kevin felt I needed to watch the kids, they wanted to play and he didn't want to keep an eye on them.
Sueann gets there within 2 minutes of the gun going off. We head out, I'm running strong, I feel good, I was shocked at the pace my Garmin was showing, I'm varying between 8:30 - 9:40 on my pace for the first mile. My hip popped, fear hit me and I stopped and walked. The hip loosened up, I ran, then walked, then ran, then walked, the walks getting longer as starting back up caused more pain than when I was walking or running, both were bothering me, the hip was tight. I don't know how I stayed ahead of her, except for the fact my running pace was so good, the walking pace varied between 14-16. It was hot too. The last mile or so was along the intercoastal and was nice to look at. I managed to run the end but not a sprint. I got lost in the crowd for awhile limping around, let my hip cool off, found everyone and then took the boys over for the kids run. After the kids run I stretched only my hip, man it felt good to do. The drive home was quiet. We stopped at a drive in and got sandwiches and then headed home were I iced my hip.

As for my injury, I talked to the doc, the pain has spread to my gluteus medius, I'm on treatment and massages to bring the extreme tightness down to a normal level in my left hip, it's moving into my lower back. Docs orders are no running, although he OKd me for the race Sunday, then 2 weeks of nothing, no stairs that can be avoided, no strength training, no running, take it real easy. I will more than likely walk my first half marathon, better to walk than try to run with NO training and injure myself worse or again. If I'm cleared to run for the 1/2, it will be all intervals, 2-3 run 1 walk.

Ugh!

Today, I hurt. I can barely walk up the stairs from a horrible pain in my left hip. I am angry and frustrated as this is 12 hours post run. My first real run back. I felt the tightness in my run, but it was bearable, more an annoyance than pain. All the other little aches and pains disappeared going into the 2nd mile. My hip stayed with me the full 4.25 miles (had I remembered a gel, it would have been longer so that will tell you it wasn't bad at all.)

Today, I attempted self-diagnosis. The pain I have is on the outside of my hip around the top outside area of the pelvic bone, the iliac crest. It is localized to that area, no radiating pain, an area about the size of my hand. The only thing in that area that makes sense is the IT band, more specifically the Tensor fasciæ latæ. My only course of action for correcting, core and hip strength training. Not too shabby for treatment but do I have time to get it back up to par in time? I also realize I've had this pain before, about 3-4 weeks after I gave up the gym. So, back to the gym I go as I am walking like a crippled old person. I have sympathy for them, this is painful! You don't realize how much is connected until you start running. Coach Nancy always tells us about the kinetic chain, well, my kinetic chain is telling me I need a stronger core and hips to help this one little area!

I have 6 1/2 weeks until my first half and I seem to be hitting every issue known to man! Pulled Piriformis, severe upper respiratory infection, agitated hip. Tonight, I will do some home exercises plus pilates to help with the core, stretch and ice. Tomorrow, depending on how it feels I will do a 3 mile easy run, followed by stretching and icing.

I did try the Galloway method and I like it. I will be using it for this half and will work on fully building up for Disney after Space Coast. I am running Pumpkins in the Park on Oct. 30 with a bunch of my husband's co-workers, so I'm hoping my little issue doesn't present itself for that!

Well, it's a typical busy Monday and this little blog has taken 2 hours!

Hospice 5K

Yesterday was my littlest man's birthday party. It was hot, but everyone had a great time. Not much to report on it, but Bren loved the cake Sueann and I made, it wasn't the one we plannedas we had a caketastrophy LOL so we improvised.

Today was the Hospice 5k, I've been fighting a very sore throat, cough, raspy voice for the last week. I did not feel good this morning and had 0 energy. I had already paid for this race, so I went. I talked to Sueann on the way there and when I pulled in Zik texted me. I then texted Steph and let her know where to find us. It was already hot and humid, almost 80 with humidity in the 90%+ range, everyone was sweating before we even started. It was a chipped race, but they went by gun time not using a start mat. It was a hard first 1/2 mile as it was very congested. A little over 800 people were running and we started on the road and had to move to the sidewalk as they hadn't closed a lane on the main road, that was tough! I wasn't paying attention to pace only how far in I was as I went in knowing I wouldn't PR as I was sick! Steph and I kept a good pace close to each other or next to each other until about mile 1 when Steph's shoe came untied. I ran on and made it to 1.75 miles before I had to take a walk break, I was really stressing my lungs out and was starting to cough. I walked, then started back up. I made it about another 1/2 mile before I needed to walk again. Steph caught up about 2.6 miles in and I stayed with her until 2.9, I told her to go for it, I was going to walk so I could sprint it in. I walked about .05 miles and then said forget it and ran, I came around the corner, finish line in site and people yelling and cheering, I sprinted the last .1 mile, how I did it I don't know, I came in on Steph's heels at 32:46. She did AWESOME for her first 5K. Zik found us at the finish and we waited on Sueann who came in right at 37 minutes. Everyone was dripping sweat, it was soooo hot! It sprinkled for about 2 mintues while we sat and chatted. It wasn't a bad run, if it hadn't have been so congested it would have been a good race.

I came in 20th in my age group out of over 30. I don't know how reliable that is considering they did go by gun time and we were pretty back there on the start, I think the times were about 45 seconds off. I'm waiting on the official posting, but I remember my time was 33 something with gun time. Garmin was 32:46 for 3.1. I have to get my cables and pull my Garmin, I felt like I was flying at the end. I also have no idea what my heart rate was at.

A nauseating run...

I have missed 2 training runs, just feeling exhausted this week. I forced myself out the door this morning sick as a dog to get a run in. I don't know if it is a stomach bug or what, but I have to suck it up anyway as I can't call out at work, we are already short staffed. I got my 3 miles in but it was not a good run, I'm only chalking that up to the fact that my stomach was rolling the whole time. I have had the urge to throw up since I got up and although I know I'll feel better if I just do it, I can't, my mental strength for that is amazing, I hate getting sick, the burning, the taste left in your mouth, all of it is just too much for me!

So for the run, I ran 3 in 31:39 avg 10:33 minute mile burned 346 calories (forgot to check HR.) Weather was 76, heat index 84 and humidity was 92%. At the 1 and 2 mile mark there was a bit of excitement...on the day I shouldn't have had the iPod! 2 police cars, lights flashing had pulled over a bike rider. I am not talking motorcycle here, I'm talking pedal bike, a rugged old thing too. The guy was young, don't know how young, flashing lights in the black night distort a lot and well, I didn't want to stare (well I did, but didn't want to trip and fall either!) I was running an out and back so I got to see them on the way back too, one cop was gone and a woman was picking up the guy and his bike. Hmm...curfew? RWI (riding while intoxicated?) I had thought about pulling out an earphone to hear what the cop was saying, but best to keep my nosey self focused on the run! By 2.3 miles all I wanted to do was walk, my head was saying stop, my legs said NO way! I made it 3 miles and walked the little bit left back to the house. I really thought I was going to lose it at that point, but managed to hold it back. I came in and fixed a big glass of ice water, got a sip, felt really sick again, so I left it and went to take my shower.

I have made it to work and well, I feel a little better, I tried some new yogurt today, more out of curiousity. Rachel's Plum Honey Lavendar yogurt. Wasn't bad, better than the very strong Vanilla Chai I tried yesterday. I have my healthy version of chicken salad for lunch and a banana. I'm hoping I feel better so I can get another 3 miler in after work to make up for one of my missed training runs. I don't mind missing 1 but not 2. I can't miss any next week! I have my 7 miler on Saturday, 3 on Sunday, 4 on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday, 4 on Thursday and 8 on Saturday, the next week is a back off on miles, with the exception of my LSD of 9 miles. I have a break in training at the end of next month when we run our first race of the season, the Hospice 5K. The next weekend will be an 11 miler so I better enjoy the short race! I've pulled the fall Disney races off my schedule and it looks like Disney Princess will take their place. I just think the 10K and 13K right before Daytona will be too much. We register for Daytona next week, YIKES! It will be real then, 3 1/2s registered and paid for every month for three months, 1 month off, then the 4th, then OKC. I have no fear of the marathon, is this normal? No anxiety, nothing, I know I can do it. I hit a zone at 4-5 miles and my legs just keep going and the internal battle is over and my strong side has won. I have only run 9 miles as my longest run, but even on that run, I could have run another hour without issue. With the impending 20 milers coming up, we will see if the strong side maintains!

No more excuses

With the death of my beloved blackberry after a quick slip in to the kids' bath I bought an Iphone. I would have been happy to keep the bb had I known it would resurrect itself 2 days later, but life without a phone for me is scary! What does all this have to do with the title of this blog? Well, there is an app for everything including blogging! So here I am. Now that I can blog at work again I can keep those who care up on my training.

Chaotic swirls of life and a race registration...

OK, my life has been a little nuts! Friday night Sueann and I were up until midnight making a fabulous birthday cake! I don't care how many calories were in it, we were running 6 miles the next day. So, Sueann assisted me in my passion...we made a mojito pound cake with rum flavored Italian buttercream, yes...ALL from scratch! It was fanflippintastic! I seriously want to make another one to have another slice! We get up Saturday and do our 6 miles, then head home to get some stuff done before meeting up to go shopping for back to school. I wandered into a wine shop and found a delicious Rosso Moscato and decided that could be served post cake. We went our own ways and then I met her at her sister's condo (she was in from NC.) Sueann's mom cooked a yummy meal, then we had cake and wine. Was a nice night, until I dropped my blackberry into the kids' tub! It died and I cried.

We ran our recovery 3 mile Sunday and then I went home to get showered and get my father-in-law so I could use his upgrade to get a new phone, as this was an unexpected expense I couldn't get the new Blackberry I wanted and had heard so many good things about the iPhone, I got one. I
wasn't all excited about it, played with it some then got rather upset when I found out IM can't run in the background. I am stuck with the phone until March as Kevin is using my upgrade in November and in March I can get whatever Blackberry I want and use the iphone as an itouch. I
may end up changing my mind on it, but the lack of efficiency of the phone compared to the BB is crazy!

This brings us to Monday, Cody's first day of PreK. I get home at 10:45 from work, and everyone is still sleeping! Cody's class started at 11:30, I flipped out rushing the boys around to get them ready and fed. Kevin decided at the last minute he needed to change shoes, he took 5 minutes! I had the kids buckled in their car seats and was trying not to flip out. I HATE being late! I sped and got there 1 minute til! I signed him in, got pics, proudly told him to have fun and headed off with Bren
and Kevin to run errands. No tears from Cody or I. When I picked him up he couldn't tell me what they did, he just said I don't know! That's his new standard answer for everything. We all went out for a late lunch and ran some more errands. I passed out when we got home for about 30 minutes. I went and got dinner with Cody and did laundry. I stayed up too late playing Lego Batman with him and paid for it this morning. I missed my 3 miler! I am planning on running it when I get home, yes in the 90 degree heat and humidity! It's my punishment!

Today, I booked Sueann and I's hotel for the Disney 1/2 and we registered for the local Hospice 5K. It was exciting registering for a race again! We still have to register for Daytona and Paint the Town, but that is next paycheck as the hotel and 5K were a little more important! I can't wait to see how I'm doing, although I guess it won't be the same as it will still be hot here. I haven't been training to race, only building my miles! I guess one of my 3 milers this week will end up a 3.1 to test time!

Obsession with the perfect music..

As I sit listening to Cat Power's Lived in Bars I was just thinking I love music, from the obscure to the mainstream, punk to funk, rock to rap, my only requirement, it has to speak to me in some way. I could hate the lyrics but love the beat. I think it is tough finding the perfect running music, I've been so lax at it that I have just been downloading PodRunner BPM mixes, the beat is rocking but I want something fun and funky for 13.1 and 26.2 miles. Songs that will imprint that time and help me get through the roadblocks are going to be crucial. So I start this crazy journey to building the perfect marathon mix. I wish it was as easy as just putting together songs I like, but Cat and Nina Simone are kick back, relax, have a drink and just reflect. I know I do better when I go by BPM, it helps me keep my pace so I don't push too hard, but slower music will slow me down.

So to add to my list of trial music for my run tomorrow -

Pump It Up by Elvis Costello
Am I Sexy by Lords of Acid
Fake Tales of San Francisco by Artic Monkeys
Oh My God by Ida Maria
Mercy by Duffy
Love Struck by V Factory
Mr Brightside by The Killers
Sour Cherry by The Kills
Lose Yourself by Eminem
Love Game by Lady Gaga

Training begins....

12 Weeks 4 Day until my first half and I have officially started my training!! I had a bump in the road yesterday morning with storms, however I did manage to get my 2.5 mile run in and I learned some valuable lessons. DO NOT under ANY circumstance run within 30 minutes of a mexican dinner!!!! OMG, I almost yacked like 20 times. It could have been the fact also that the gym's thermostat read 86 when I walked by it or the fact I wanted to get done fast so I ran at 6 mph instead of an easier pace considering my full stomach. Anyhow, I got my 2.5 miles in right at 25 minutes.

I had a 2 miler scheduled this morning and the weather was relatively nice. It was not ideal running conditions, but how many people can have ideal running conditions in the summer? It wasn't thundering and that was a plus! Temp was 74, humidity was 96% and according to accuweather, the real feel was 84. The humidity helped as I ran it felt like a cool mist. I misjudged my route and had to double back at the end, I really need to map out my runs. Well I must get ready for work...until later!

My first run in OKC with a back spasm!!!

Well I got to OKC yesterday and the heat is here but at least the humidity is less than Florida! I think carrying around a chubby little Brendan pulled my back out. I celebrated this with a 1 mile run in my new Brooks Ghost 2s...I don't know which I love more, the old ones or the new ones! Despite the heat, the spasms which cause me to lose my breath and a slight case of dehydration, I did a mile, the Garmin read 8:24 but my heart rate was higher than normal, which slowed me down some. That's OK, the new shoes were awesome. I love them!! Well, for low mileage anyway, I will see when I get my long run in. I'm hoping through stretching and pressure on the area the spasm is coming from I will be OK to try to get up really early and head to the lake to run the trails. The boys are exhausted and as I type this Brendan is going into his 3rd hour of a nap...he got up way to early this morning, all excited. Cody is watching cartoons and I'm debating what sounds good for lunch.

I have 16 weeks from today until my first half, so missing runs right now is a bad thing, I'm hoping everything will work itself out and I will be able to continue my training on track!!!

Somethings just hit you...

Running is a road to self awareness and self reliance. You can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh reality of your physical and mental limitations or coast quietly down a solitary path watching the Earth spin at your feet. But, when you are through, exhilarated and exhausted, at least for the moment everything seems right in the world.
-Author Unknown

This was in a newsletter from my running club today. I am struck by just how true it is and how I will be learning my physical and mental boundaries as I train for my next 4 big races. I am going to be pushing my body to the brink. I am going to take on 3 13.1 mile races in 2 1/2 months and then focus on the marathon. I will be running some 5Ks and 10Ks while I train, some before and after the big runs. I know my body will feel things it hasn't felt before and it will tell me to stop and this is where I have to become mentally strong. If my body wins, my mind loses.

I will be thinking about this tonight as I rest my legs from a nice tempo run today. I feel so much better after I run, everything seems right in the world.....

A day off...

I ran 4.25 yesterday at 5:30 am.  It was 78 degrees with 97% humidity.  It was hot!!!  It's the longest run I've done since the hip issue.  I met Sueann at Snap, we parked, geared up and ran, I was running ahead and found some trails (paved) so we explored them.  The run felt good and I really missed the feeling, I don't like the hot, humid part of it though.  I was dripping sweat, hair matted to my head, etc by the time we were done.  Wow, 43 minutes at an easy pace, so the heat wouldn't kill me, you'd think I'd have only been a little sweaty!  I stretched while I waited on Sueann to finish her run, then we went into Snap for a lower body session and a cool down.  We went through the whole regimen, glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, hips, abs and back before ending our 3 hour outing with a 30 minute bike ride, doing hills.  

Later, we met back up at the beach and took the boys out into the ocean since it was eerily calm.  Brendan loved it.  Cody who flipped out when he couldn't see his feet went back into the shallow.  We had pods of dolphins feeding just out from us, tossing fish in the air.  I've never got to witness this so close!  After a couple of hours in the sun, it was time to head home, where I almost got caught up with laundry and did some odds and ends around the house.  

Today though, I took the day off.  I'm tired, I didn't eat healthy at all today, I decided I was blowing it all and tomorrow, I would get up and run and go back to healthy.  I bought several flats of berries; strawberries, raspberries and my favorite, blackberries.  I also got some bananas, so tomorrow the focus is fruit.  I also have some baby arugula for a salad, I'll toss in a little chicken, some raspberries and a light raspberry vinaigrette for lunch.  

Boring, I know, but one day when I'm not so exhausted I'll have to write the way my head wants to, not my fingers, flying through so I can go lounge on the couch with my 2 favorite cuddle buddies.  As I speak, they are playing in a bubble bath together.  

Good night!

Sneaking in a post

I got up this morning, hit the closest gym and ran 3.5 miles, my longest run on a treadmill and my longest run post injury.  I did fine and could have ran a little longer.  I had to get home and showered and ready for work.  Work was chaos, I was ready for 5!  I came by the house before picking up the boys, grabbed Kevin's new HRM to check it out, ran 1/2 mile in 90 degree heat, no idea the heat index!  I got the boys, we went swimming like we do every evening when there is no rain.  They just asked for their bath, so here I sit!

I am going to hit the gym tomorrow, get a 4 miler in if I have time and then Sunday I'll run another 4-4.5.  I am going to keep at it...that half marathon is creeping up!  Well, the fish want out of the tub, so time for everyone to get ready for bed!

Busy, busy and busier still

I can't think of the last time I was so obsessed with the gym.  I was in there Saturday and Sunday by 6 am and working out for 2 hours straight.  I can't go to said gym during the week due to childcare, but I am staying focused at home.  Last night, I swam for 30 minutes and then followed that up with an hour of kickboxing.  I was going to get up and go for a run this morning but we had horrible storms last night and the heat and humidity is just too much to bare.  I did get a swim in today when I wasn't being landed on by a belly-flopping Cody or a dare devil Brendan.  I am however planning on getting up tomorrow at 4 am to be at the gym by 4:45 and work out until 6:30 at which time I will need to hit the shower and head to work.  I really wish they had a 24 hour gym closer to home so I could get ready in my own house.  I am running again and it is awesome.  I am maintaining my sanity while raising to very crazy little monkey boys.  

Speaking of crazy boys, Brendan at 21 months is starting to potty train (he actually jumped up while getting his diaper changed and got on the potty by himself!) and has successfully escaped the confines of his crib.  We have resigned to the fact the kid is half monkey and converted his baby bed to a toddler bed.  

Cody, now 4 and very opinionated has moved into the world of super heros!  Batman this, Spiderman that, I am Iron Man and I love Superman.  He now has batman pjs, batman blanket and batman bedding.  He enjoys youtube.com and lego.com and actually knows how to power up his computer and launch the sites and type in choo choo in the youtube search box.  I got him one of our old laptops from work so he would leave ours alone, but he prefers to sit in here on his big computer or hover over us if we have the laptop begging to watch the trailer of Up, one more time.  I'm hoping when I take him to see Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs he doesn't break down screaming but I want to see Up AGAIN!  This movie has made its way to the must get movie in our house.  He loved it.  He couldn't sit through Wall E, but Up, he begged immediately to see it again.  

The boys are a handful and keep me busy 90% of my time with them.  I wish they harassed their father half as much as me or each other.  

Rebuilding after an injury

I've run 4.35 miles this week. This is a HUGE improvement as I haven't been able to run since Gecko. My hip is still injured, but I'm learning to run with it. I got better, then the pain returned. I'm meeting with a personal trainer on Monday to strengthen up the area to help rebuild the area. I'm 45 1/2 weeks out from the OKC Memorial Marathon. I'm less than 5 months away from my first 1/2 marathon. I need to rebuild, get stronger, get faster. I want to run pain free again. I don't know how long it will take me to get back to my 9 mile long run, but I hope soon. I think I'm going to try and race again on the 4th of July. I will update more later!

Run for the Gecko 5K

I did not want to get up this morning. 4:30, the alarm goes off and I crawl out of bed. I had put all my stuff together the night before (except for the camera, which I forgot...UGH!) I plopped down in front of the TV and a very full DVR hoping to catch up on at least 1 show. Sueann texted me that she was up, so I got around and got dressed, then finished watching my show and had an english muffin with laughing cow cheese. She gets to the house right about 5:30. We pull out of my driveway and I realized I had forgotten my shoes. Um, how am I going to run in my flip flops? I run back up to the house and grab my shoes, again forgetting the camera and we were off. It's a long drive to Melbourne, but Courtney had texted to see where we were so she and I went back and forth for a few. Right as we are coming up on the race site Jeanine and CC call to see where we were, we let them know Courtney was there and we found parking. We picked up our race packets and our chips and went over to the table the girls were at. We met 2 more girls from the boards! Suezette and Gail were there too! We all chat, then go put away our packets and meet back up before lining up. Jeanine and CC lined up some where in the 8 or 9 minute pace group and I went back to the 11 minute group with Sueann, still not knowing what to expect with my hip. I noticed they had my age wrong on my bib and tried to figure out who did the math on that. We never even heard them start the race, someone says I think it started, there are people moving. This was a large race, over 800 people. It took a couple of minutes to get over the start line. We start running and I'm trying to jack rabbit through ALL the people that were bunching up. I finally get to an open area and I catch my pace. I ran for over the first mile, then started taking walk breaks. Here's the thing, the hip wasn't what caused them. My calves were cramping up from I believe dehydration, it was HOT! They'd loosen up, I'd run some more. My hip didn't start flaring until the end when I tried to crank it up. I did better than my last 2 attempts, 32:24. Jeanine and CC were there to cheer me on. We cheered Suezette in, then Sueann, then Courtney, Gail and Nancy (a friend of Sueann's) We all went back over and met up at the pavilion, got some pics together and then headed out to Mimi's Cafe for breakfast. Nancy had family coming in and Gail and Suezette had a previous engagement, so the other 5 of us went and had a nice time. Sueann and I ended the morning at Sports Authority buying some new running singlets!

I'm now home, showered, ready for a nap but probably going to head to the store when Brendan goes down for a nap and I'll take the boys to the beach or park for a little bit after!


Back: CC, Sueann, Courtney, Suezette Front: Jeanine, me, Gail. We will all be running Space Coast together along with a few more people from our boards!

So it's been a month...stupid IT Band!

It's been a month, a very hard one with very little miles run. After ETPS treatment to release my quads, hamstrings and IT Band, I'm feeling better and was released for very low mileage. I've run 4 miles this past week. I'm hoping to get a couple of miles in tonight, but pushing Brendan in 85 degree heat might be too much, so I may have to wait until morning. I was re-fitted yesterday at a new running store and found out why I was having issues with my shoes. The last place told me I needed to be in a 7 for the Sauconys and 7.5 for the Brooks, I should be in a 6 -6.5.

The Saucony 5s were the best shoe for me, but the wrong size. High mileage shoes, moderate neutral + shoes. Well, the 6s that were supposed to be an upgraded version were actually not as good, but my biggest complaint with them was I felt like I was always scuffing my feet. I was having a hard time with my kick and it interrupted my stride. That's when I was put in the Brooks Ghost, which ran smaller, so 7.5 they told me. The Ghosts while extremely comfortable caused some mechanical issues. The PT and the owner of the store who fit me think it could be a couple of things. The Brooks are "lower to the ground" than the 5s and have less cushioning which I need as I am very high arched. They were also too big. So, I'm buying locally this time, no more internet for best price. If my new Mizuno Wave Riders hurt me, I'm returning them!

I also have yet more running gear, a foam roller, to help with the IT band and a new hydration belt for higher mileage. I had a 21 oz Nathan fuel belt that sat a large bottle in the small of my back, a large gel bottle and a zippered pouch in back for my single pack gels, shot bloks and beans. It was hard to get to for the gels. It's great for runs under 5-6 miles where I just need fluids. I also have the hand held bottle, but it makes my hand hurt after 4 miles. I got a 4 bottle fuel belt with a gel pouch. I can freeze 2 bottles in the back so they are still cold 2 hours into my runs as I will be starting to greatly increase my mileage this summer.

On another note, I'm going to Key West in 3 weeks and OKC in July. October, we are going on a western Caribbean cruise with my in-laws. It's going to be very busy around here! My last race is Saturday, then it's all training until September 6 if we run Daytona's half marathon. The cruise, then several 5Ks and a 10 K and the Space Coast half. One of the drs at my office is running the Space Coast full to try and qualify for Boston, I'll be rooting her on. Following that I have the month of December for all that goes on, Christmas, my birthday, New Years, then I run Disney. I will only run a couple more races and focus more on training for the OKC Memorial marathon. My marathon debut will be in my home state which I am super excited about!

Well, it's time to head to the beach for a birthday party we were invited to!!

Run for Sparc 5K

The morning started early. I got up at 4:30 to kind of wakeup. At 5 Cody got up, then at 5:30 he and I had breakfast. I got Brendan up at 5:45 and got him some cereal. I got the dressed, then got the boys dressed and we all crowded the bathroom sink to brush our teeth. We get out the door at 6 am as planned...how did that happen? Sueann is running late, and I'm worried as I thought the race started at 7:30. I grabbed my packet and chip, then Sueann, Tyler and Austin's packets and chips. I met them by the bathroom where we all got ready for the race, still thinking it started at 7:30. Said hey to Gerry, fellow Beachcomber and hard core racer (he's almost up to 1500 races) then found out it started at 9. We chit chatted with ladies behind us who said they wanted to start running these, we gave them the low down on Couch 2 5K and then listened to the instructions. We were off before we knew it and despite my warning to Sueann's kids about blowing out the gate, they did it anyway, then in the first mile I bypassed them and didn't see them again until the turn around, as this was an out and back from the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse (talk about a great marker to see for the finish!) I was cruising, I knew if I could maintain around the pace I was at I would make sub 30. I just kept going, I felt awesome! That last curve and away I went, picked it up a little for the end, and crossed the finish line. Official time 29:54!!!!! From here on out, it's by minutes, I can't wait to get sub 29!

Cody got a great medal for the kids race with the name of the race and a picture of the lighthouse on it.



Now, back to normal training schedule until the 18th when I'm going to shoot for 29:50, not really, I am just going to enjoy the last 3 races of the season before the heavier training starts!

Holy jumping armadillos!

It's been awhile since I've run. Actually, since the Rock N Run. Two races back to back with hills, a bit much on my legs. Sueann and I were supposed to do a rebuilding run yesterday 5-6 miles, but severe thunderstorms kept that from happening. Well, we were bummed. She calls me about 5 to let me know her husband had offer to watch all 5 boys so we could go run. He's a BRAVE, BRAVE man!

I get out to her farm, drop the boys off, we load up in her car and drive to the nearest housing addition. I'm feeling rather rested from 6 days off and I get all crazy-like and start running the hills off the path, the path minds you backs up to the golf course and well, the hills were around the sand traps. Some were steep! It was fun though and well, I shouldn't have done that in the first mile! We go down to her 2 mile mark (my Garmin is off as I didn't do her straight run, I ran hills, ran down random roads and back, etc) then I marked out the next 1/2 mile and told her where to turn. We are running back, and I have a horrible problem with running too far ahead, and there is an armadillo. I am all alone the only witness to the evil that is me. I louldy went PSSSST and immediately started laughing when the poor creature flew straight up in the air and came down scrambling. I couldn't believe that little thing could jump so high! I laughed for about a 10th of a mile.

I was happy with my run, 5.5 miles, my pace was all over the place, but between running hills, jogging with Sueann, playing chicken with a car, it's OK. It was fun though.

Rock N Run 5K - a PR!!!!!

This morning started early, 4:30 early! I get up, get dressed, get to Sueann's where I got a really good laugh!! I was switching cars from mine to Sueann's and one of her dogs was doing something, so she yelled at him, he took off running and ran smack dab into her husband's car, we both couldn't stop laughing.

With that fun little scene playing through our heads, we drove out to Eustis in the chilly air. We get there a wee bit too early, they are just getting there! It was an hour and a half until the race started. We hung out in the car, went to the bathroom, back to the car, then got our packets. We hung out, got our pre-race photo we didn't get yesterday since I forgot the camera! Found Sueann's friend Michelle who was running it, chatted some then headed over to the starting line. We were disappointed this wasn't a chipped race, then found out the chips were in our bibs! I though the other number in there with the weight on it was because they only gave everyone 2 safety pins, turns out it wasn't a weight!

So we start running and to my horror, realize we are running up a giant hill, then I look at the plus side, we finish by where we start, which means ALL downhill!!! Well, we are running, and keep going up and down all these hills, bigger than the ones we ran yesterday! I think the fatigue hit my thighs at 2 miles, I was debating a walk up a hill when my lovely Garmin told me I only had 1/2 mile left!!!! I ran up that hill, knowing I'd be going back down soon! I cross back over and down through the chute knowing even the chipped time was a PR, when I stopped the Garmin I was at 30:10, the gun time was 30:27! I'm getting closer to a sub 30 minute 5K!!!!

Sandpiper 5K...12 seconds from a PR.

I almost PRed...and I could have easily PRed, but I took a couple of walk breaks going up some hills! I never expected this 5K to be that hilly! The morning was cold, although it was in the 60s, winds have been around 20-30 mph, but we got lucky and weren't affected this morning. Usually, it feels nice at 60, but something this morning made it feel cold! We chatted with some of the other runners we always see at all the races and hit the portapottys. We went window shopping around the center where the race was starting and ending and then went back to get ready for lineup. The run was a nice tree lined neighborhood with lots of hills!!! I did really good at first but I was maintaining a faster pace than I should have been trying for on a hilly course. I took a couple of walk breaks, but finished strong. I missed a PR by 12 seconds...12 (11 to tie!!) I should have run more!!! Was a nice race, I did enjoy it. I felt pretty good considering how my last race went!

A Safety Precaution, finally made

I finally remembered to order my RoadID. I have been talking about getting once since November and while I was registering for 3 5Ks, I remembered to order it! I also ordered Sueann's for her when I ordered mine. I had found a coupon on the net for a couple of bucks off, which was nice as I got the bracelet and the shoe pouch. I need something for my key after all when I'm running in my pocketless stuff. I got blue, my favorite color and Sueann got pink, her favorite color. They got shipped out today! Next up, a fuel belt, I have a small one that will suffice for a HM, but not one that will work for a full or God forbid I like the full and decide on an Ultra.

On another note, I'm still not 100% over my leg issue, I thought I was (UGH) and I have 2 5Ks this weekend! I will be blogging Saturday (Sandpiper) and Sunday (Rock N Run)! I get a weekend off, then I do Run for the Sparc, another weekend off, then Rayz, then Flamingo, a week off, then Gecko, then I'm done until I either find a race I want to do that falls in line with my HM training or I run my first HM. The race season starts back up in September and I will be busy with training for 3 HMs and a full. After the full, if there is room and I like the distance, I'm going to do the ultimate crazy and sign up for Goofy (39.3.) If I don't like the full, I will figure out my favorite distance and work on it!

St Patrick's Day fun run and the joining of a club...

Well, despite the fact I ran a 10K (well most of it) this morning, I decided to take Cody and Brendan to my local running store for a fun run that was being put on by a running club I had been talking about joining for the past 6 months. We get to Spikes, get our name tags, chatted with Donna, the VPs wife, who had just got back from the Gate River Run 15K, and waited on Sueann and her family to get there. We all headed out and since the little ones were running a mile, Sueann and I stayed with them. I really wanted to do the 4 miler, but I didn't want to leave my most precious running buddy on his own. Mike, Sueann's husband stayed with Brendan, even though I did have him in the jogging stroller. Cody almost made the entire mile, he fell and skinned his knee on the uneven pavement. I carried him the last .2 mile. We went in, had some Irish food, chocolate cupcakes with mint flavored green icing and some yummy punch. The kids had a blast! Sueann won a year membership to the club, Donna told her she was trying to hold them for us as she really wanted us as part of the club, I didn't get drawn, but I joined anyhow - for 2 years!! This group of runners are the nicest people! We will be running our first club sponsored 5K next month - RayZ Awareness, which I was set on doing anyhow as it is for melanoma research and my mom's side has all died from melanoma. Anything cancer, stroke or heart I will run as they all have affected my family!

Eye of the Dragon 10K

Ok so, a little background on why I haven't blogged, something has been wrong, my legs have been hurting from the knees down and I have been literally exhausted for 2 weeks, so I hadn't been training. My only goal for this race as it was very hilly was to finish it.

Sueann and I got to the race site early, it was a long drive to Melbourne. It was still dark but the humidity was already present. We decided to walk over and check out the causeway, it was big!!! When we were headed back we must have run in front of Jeanine because she called and asked if it was us she just saw. We let her know it was us and we met her over in the parking lot where we officially met for the first time (she is on the running boards with us.) She has such a happy, upbeat personality and we all got along great right off the bat. We went up so we could pick up our race packets and we chit chatted and waited on Nancy, Sueann's friend from work to get there. We got some pics then headed down to line up, where we found out the race had literally doubled in size from last year's group. I was a little shocked it wasn't chip timed, so thank God for the Garmin! When we started off I was dodging through people in my normal fashion and feeling OK, despite the tightness in my legs. I was in front of the 4 of us but Jeanine quickly caught up and passed. I kept my pace as 1/2 mile in my ankles were burning, I do know now I shouldn't wear the Saucony's for any more runs, they have been officially retired from running. I will say by 2 miles I had to take a walk break, I was hurting really bad. I ran off and on from that point. The first 5K was hilly, but smaller hills, but they got to you. The humidity was getting higher as the heat increased and I kept getting the feeling I was going to pass out, those little tingly feelings, so every time I did, I would walk, then it would pass and I would run. I got to the causeway at this point knowing it would be close if I could run the rest to beat my PR, but I didn't have it in me. I walk/ran up the causeway, waved hi to Jeanine as she cheered me on, and then ran down the causeway, then walked/ran the way out and back up, then ran it down and saw Jeanine walking to the base of the causeway (she finished in the same time frame as my last 10K,) she ran it back in with me, I did manage to dig deep and sprint the end. I came across the finish at 1:12:02 (6 minutes behind my last 10K) I got my water and we headed back for Sueann, jogged back in with her from the base of the causeway, she got her water and we headed back to the base of the causeway to find Nancy, we jogged in with her. We stretched a little bit and watched the paramedics looking over a woman. We watched the end of the kid's race, then headed in for carbs! We stayed for part of the awards, then headed out. They gave out dragons as trophies. We stopped at Running Zone on the way home and got some running skirts for 50% off. We had only left 10 minutes from the race site when it started pouring rain. I realized then why the humidity had gotten so bad! I really enjoyed meeting some fellow runners!

I will say after running with Jeanine and Nancy, Sueann and I are planning 2 more races in their area! I'm hoping my other virtual running buddy Kallie will be able to make one of them! Every runner I have met so far through the boards has been awesome!!!

I also saw pictures at Running Zone of the Space Coast runs (13.1 and 26.2) and they look like sooo much fun I can't wait!!!! I will have a great group there to share it with also!!!

Healthy Heart 10K - My first 10K!

Wow! It was COLD this morning!!! I was running a tad bit late as there was ICE on my windshield! Sueann had it too. I talked to her while we headed to our meeting place down the road from the race. The temp gauge said 30, it was 32 when we got to the race site, we hit the restrooms, got our bibs on, picked up our chips and then warmed up some and lined up. Sueann stayed up with me for a couple of minutes after the horn went off, then hit her pace and I got mine, I was hurting, but I had gone into this expecting to maintain a 10:30 - 10:45 minute mile so I knew I would be able to finish. We were running with elite runners and knew it (the winner ran it in 35:33.) I decided to just enjoy it and run, and try to stay warm! There were several hills I wasn't prepared for and I felt them! On our first loop, we had 2. We ran through a neighborhood with a hill and then back out onto a main road, I couldn't believe the frost everywhere! We came out of the neighborhood and rounded 2 more corners and there was a bigger hill, this would be the 5th mile on the 2nd loop so I prepared myself mentally for it. We were 3.5 miles in when we got passed by the winner. Then 60 seconds later the next guy passed, 20 seconds later, the next guy, well we come around the curve a couple of minutes later and the guy who was in 3rd is in front of the guy was was in 2nd and they had made a bad turn, the guy who had been in 2nd upped his pace to try to pass the guy in front of him who had been behind him. I wondered if anyone else would make that mistake. I ran on, completed my 2nd loop the weird pain in my leg finally gone, I came around the last curve and picked up my pace then sprinted the end of it. I came in chip time of 1:05:54 but Garmin time of 1:05:44 - I go with Garmin since I shut off the iPod after the guy pulled my chip and the iPod said 1:05:54! I maintained a 10:37 pace even with a shooting pain from my ankle up my calf for 4 miles. I am happy with my time, I wanted to complete this in under 1:15 since it was my first and I did that!!! I will do the 10K again!

Nerves and exhaustion!

I am tired, I want to sleep for a whole 8 hours! I need sleep! I hope I get it! I had a dream last night that I was late to my race, I had to take the boys, and I had to carry them all the way to the race site and I could barely pick up my legs. It was my first race related dream. It was bizarre and although there was more to it, that's all I remember. Seems this one has my nerves up.

On another note, not necessarily a good one, I realized this morning as I was fighting back tears, that weren't provoked by anything, that running is the only way to keep myself balanced. I haven't run since Tuesday. When I go this long I have a hard time stabilizing my mood. I don't run and the darkness sets in and I worry more and I lose my patience easier. I can feel the shift in balance. I was worried about the race tomorrow as my legs are still bothering me some, but now all I want to do is run, run out the bad and take in the good, to get to a place of zen. I need my fix. I need to run to feel myself again. I know that these tough times will pass, I always pull through, I am strong and can make it, especially now with running. I'm stronger when I run. I use to be like this with soccer. I would go out and kick the ball and kick and kick until I felt balanced. I could always maintain the balance between whatever negative mood and happiness. I find the same in running, if I'm mad, I run and the anger dissipates. I'm sad, I run and the tears dry up. I'm anxious, I run and I wonder why I was anxious to begin with. I'm scared, I run and the fear leaves my body. If I'm confused, I run and all things become clear, the fog lifts. So I guess in the end, my nerves are more silly than effective, so I will push them aside and Sueann will have to remind me in the morning when I ask to use the potty 4 more times that it's just pre-race jitters, for now...I feel ready!

Heavy rains coming and so is the cold...

We are due for heavy thunderstorms today and then the cold will creep in behind it. I'm on my taper before my 10K, I haven't run the distance in 2 weeks because of a race last weekend, I couldn't get a longer run in. It is now set to be about 35 degrees that morning. I don't like the cold, 40 and I'd be happy...45 is what I consider perfect running weather. I know I should enjoy this as soon it will be HOT! I am thinking about hitting the gym to walk 6.2 tonight...only because I feel antsy and need to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING to maintain my sanity!

Resting although not happy about it

I went out to run this morning, I don't know what I did between yesterday on the treadmill and this morning on the pavement, but running HURT! I called it quits after 5 minutes and decided it was best to rest my legs before the Healthy Heart 10K this weekend. I did some heavy strength training on Sunday for the legs, but I ran on the treadmill last night and it was OK, however I was at a 6% incline at 6.5 mph to strengthen my legs further. I knew my arms would be sore from my upper body workout, but man!!! Well, I guess it will be quiet on the blog while I take it easy on the legs.

One quick note, Sueann and I are looking at dropping the Sandpiper 5K from our race list and replacing it with Eye of the Dragon 10K. We will see how Saturday goes!

Catch Me If You Can 5K

This was not my best day! I didn't feel good when I got up, no appetite, got a little water in, but that's about it. I had gels with me to get down before the race so I'd have some sort of calories. I picked up Sueann, we headed towards Orlando, pulled off and had to find the park we were starting from. Sueann was also fighting some stomach issues, she thinks it was nerves. We get to the race start, pick up our packets, head to the bathroom, got our pre race pic, it will be up later, I have very little time to write this, dropped stuff off at the car and went to warm up. I needed it, I was still sore from my sprints. We stretched and lined up. The race was really big for a first time race! I think the concept attracted a lot of people! I hit my garmin when I went across the start line. I was dodging people and finally found a good place and pace. We ran through downtown Sanford and when we hit mile 1 I was at 9:34. I was doing really well, still feeling sick, but it was manageable, by mile 2 my stomach was really churning. I was at 19:12 when they called the split. In the third mile I was feeling really sick, I gave in and walked. I realized I was less than 1/2 a mile out so I started running again. My stomach really not agreeing with me! I saw the finish line, picked up the pace and then sprinted the end. Garmin read 30 minutes on the nose!!!!! Gun time was 30:48. Either way, I did it! I beat my last time and I walked for 2 minutes because I was so sick. I still feel really ill, we have a birthday party to go to, then I'm coming home and laying down.

Sueann also nailed her run and came in in the 36 minute range.

Hoping for my 10K next week I feel better!

Oh and the women swept the race...even though it was only a 3 minute head start!

Moving Meditation

I walked into work this morning and was thinking about my conversation with Sueann last night during our run. We were having the talk about distance running and how after 3 miles you go into auto pilot and go into a sort of trance, like a moving meditation. I know in my case, the first 2-3 miles are warm up, the body is rejecting the punishment it is receiving and in that 3rd mile it says, OK, I give into your needs. My mind clears and stress leaves my body. I notice my breathing evens out and I don't need to focus on breathing or form, it almost becomes effortless. I enjoy those moments, when everything falls in and you watch the world go by, small random thoughts passing by like leaves blowing across the ground. It is that trance that has me hooked, moments of peace in a chaotic, stressful world.

We also discussed our last long run, I got in 8.5 miles and she got in 8 (I loop back and up so not to get too far ahead.) How it was a good run, running the boardwalks at Smyrna Dunes

and along the beach

It is all very peaceful.

While we were running last night we hit pockets of cooler air and that fresh, clean smell of impending rain. I told her about my virtual running buddy in Belgium and how he had said in his exact words "I hope someday even the rain isn't gonna stop ya. The most incredible experience is 2 overheat during a run & then the heaven surprises ya with a refreshing shower. Pure heaven." We were talking about how rain is in the forecast for Saturday and how it is supposed to be warm that morning and I was thinking he might be right. He has been a big motivator for me, always there with a positive comment. I really wish him the best!

This morning I was bummed when I came out and it had rained, the smell of everything wiped clean by a gentle rain is one of my favorites. I sat and inhaled and wished I could have been running. I think this morning was the first time I really felt I was a runner. I wanted to enjoy the clean, moist air and run for hours. No thoughts of I'm glad I didn't run this morning. I wanted to, BAD! I'm on "rest" until Saturday for the race and it is actually tough to be on rest this time!

Well, I suppose I should get back to work and daydream some more about the perfect run!

Running weekend and a sick week

OK, so I know runs over 75 minutes drain your immune system, but come on! I had a beautiful run Sunday, nice long slow distance run (what we like to call a LSD run - not the drug!) I clocked in 8.5 miles from the park over the causeway, down Peninsula until it dead ended at the Coast Guard station, into Smyrna Dunes park where we ran the boardwalks, ran the stairs over the dunes and onto the beach- Ouch! Sugar sand is a big workout! We got past the sugar sand and past the jetty and closer to the surf. It was warm out, the surfers were in full force the sun slowly rising over the water. It was a phenomenal couple of miles, then back up Flagler over the causeway and back to the park for a quick stretch on the docks above the river. That was Sunday. I logged a short 2 miler on the dreadmill Tuesday before a nice hard lower body workout. I started feeling sick about an hour after I got home, showered, headed into our Edgewater office to deliver laptops to the nurses, then got to Indian River Elementary to have a meeting with Cody's new speech teacher, was finally sitting still and noticed I was getting very congested. How did this come on so quick and right before a race? Are you kidding me? Only 1 race I've done was I not under the weather and I've managed to improve my times each time.

I felt a little better this morning, that is until I started running! I did notice my legs were into it...pushing me a long on a nice tempo run, however from the neck up was not working, I couldn't breathe deep enough, my nose was starting to run and I was getting a really bad headache. I called it quits a mile in, one of my best miles and I would have loved to have carried that on for the 5 miles I had planned on getting in this morning. I stopped running, felt sick, decided if I was going to get sick, I might as well push it to force it, so I turned the garmin back on and sprinted until I saw a block in the road and a car coming. I managed to hit 11 mph! Granted it was a 20 second sprint, but I think I could have done longer. When I get better, I am going to start doing sprints! It was fun, challenging and rewarding when I saw my speed! I am going to take the next 2 days off and rest and try to get better for my race. I am hoping to get some upper body and core work in tomorrow, but no cardio.

I got e-mail on my race Saturday, I am thinking I need to go pick up my packet Thursday or Friday in Lake Mary. I love the logo for it.



Well time to get ready for work, I'll be back on Saturday post race I'm sure!

A week off and a lot of rain!

It's Saturday and I should be out running the Run Around the Universe at Universal Studios but was asked by the husband to not run today since he had plans with Cody, so we didn't put in our last minute registration. Kevin's plans with Cody got cancelled late last night. Oh well! I have a long run tomorrow, then I need to get some miles in for February as I fell way short on my 80 mile goal this month.

I have 2 races this month. I'm doing the Catch Me if You Can 5K in Sanford on Valentine's Day and the Healthy Heart 10K in Port Orange the following weekend. I'm nervous and excited. I know I can do the distance, but haven't raced a 10K before so don't know how to pace myself yet! That's OK, the first for me is to just set a baseline time to improve on!

I can tell racing season is winding down. I will only be doing 1 race a month March and April, then I start triathlon training for the Tigershark Sprint Tri on June 27th (tentative - final date will be announced February 20th.) After that, it is indoor marathon training! I will wait and see what the fall races look like to get my schedule ready for Sept - Dec! I wanted to do the Firecracker 10K but it is the same day as the Tri unless they change it!

6 miles! Now can we speed it up!

Yesterday, despite knowing better to take it off after a race I knew my time was limited to get ready for the Healthy Heart 10K, I went out and ran a long slow distance run of 6 miles (took just over an hour.) I realized real quick at the end the importance of fueling during a run. I really need to get some more sport beans! I hit fatigue in the 6th mile and wanted to give up, thank God for my stubborn streak! I made it through and got my water and then did a nice long stretching session.

I was going to run again today but the fog was sooo thick out and it was too dark so I went with safety and stayed in. I'm hoping the boys will cooperate and let me get in a decent workout tonight. I am running tomorrow, I don't know how far yet, it will all depend on when I get up and how I am feeling. I am planning on 6.5 this weekend..maybe trying for 7.

Daytona 5K...what fun!

Saturday started early for me! I had been out a little later than planned with my friend Tanya and her other half Graham. I was good and didn't have a glass of wine with dinner and ate light. I knew I had to be up at 4:30 am! So I get up, have no problem getting out of bed, took a quick shower so my hair would be somewhat easy to deal with and cuddled up on the couch with 1/2 a bagel. I watch one of my DVRed shows and then got dressed. I woke Cody up to see if he wanted to go with me, and bless his heart with 4.5 hours of sleep (he did stay up late with Daddy) he got dressed and went with me. The morning seemed to be going off without a hitch. I called Sueann and made sure she was up as I was headed over to Tanya and Graham's hotel to pick them up when I realized I had forgotten my iPod and my Forerunner. I had to go back! Mind you it is 38 degrees outside and DARK! I managed to forget to bring something warmer for Cody than his sweats. We get to the race track at the same time as Sueann and her family. I have never been inside the track before this. We walk in and get on a tram and ride around the back loop and into pit road where we send everyone off to register the boys for the kids race and we go to get our chips and meet up with our friend Zik and Sueann's cousin Amanda who had also signed up. It is COLD COLD COLD! We get up to the start line and I'm jumping up and down trying to stay warm. This is the biggest race I've ever been in with 2000 runners and who knows how many walkers (they had a different gun time.) The gun went off and Zik took off, then me, dodging through people like a rabbit. I had barely trained before this race, so I was happy when I looked down and noticed I had maintained a sub 10 minute mile. I had been taking in the enormity of the track. I can not believe how huge it is and how high the banks are on the sides. My next split wasn't as good I had creeped up to 10:20, the 3rd I was back just above 10 and had finally caught a comfortable stride. Next thing I know, I'm coming around the last corner and there in the distance is the finish line! I looked at my Forerunner and saw I was going to come under my best time! I wish I had been able to run more in the 2 weeks I was off..but well...I didn't and it showed or I would have picked up speed!

I made if in 31:10, my pace averaged 10:03/mile. For only being into running for 6 months I'm very happy with the progress I made, considering some of my more seasoned running buddies told me not to expect this big of a drop in my time until into my 2nd year. I'm hoping this time next year I'm running 25 minute 5Ks!

I missed Cody's race, but took him out on the track to get pics of him running across the finish line. We also looked at cars, checked out the garages where they were prepping the cars for the Rolex 24, had bagels and bananas. It was a nice day. Poor little guy took a 5 hour nap when we got home!

So it's been awhile...what have I been up to?

Nothing! I was doing really well then got some weird stomach issue last week and everything has fallen off! I am back on the running wagon tomorrow with only 2 days to get runs in as I have a race this Saturday. Really wish I could take someone with me to get photos as this is on the Daytona 500 speedway! I could care less about Nascar, but running that track just seems cool! I will update more later, but for now I just needed to get something in to make me feel more accountable!

Wow, 2 runs in less than 12 hours!

I went to run last night, I got in 2.5 miles. I wanted it to go nice and easy since I planned on running this morning. We (Sueann, Ashlee and I) ran from the park on the river all the way over the causeway and down to the beach ramp, then walked back. So I got 5 miles in, half running, half walking, then we all stretched right on the river, very zen! Brendan enjoyed it too, he was tucked in nicely to a jogging stroller with his binky and blanky!

This morning I went out to run and froze. I was cold, it was hurting to breathe. I wasn't dressed appropriately (ie capris and light shirt) but didn't have time to run in and change. Instead of running the 5 I wanted to, I gave up at 3 to get warm! I could actually see my breath this morning! After I got home I did about 10 minutes of lower body strength training and then jumped in the shower. Now I sit here at work ready for a nap. It's quiet, too quiet. I didn't get my sleep I needed as Kevin got home at 4 banging through the house and I couldn't go back to sleep. UGH! I may run and grab a sandwich for lunch, or heat up some soup I have here and take a nap in my car. I hope he doesn't do this again tonight!

Preparing for the long run

I have been hydrating, increasing my mileage during my morning runs, etc to get ready and attempt a 7-8 mile run this weekend. I know I will have to decrease my pace and be ready to take almost 2 hours, but I am curious how my body will react to the stress. I'm doing 4+ miles in the mornings now and I know I'm increasing my weekly mileage quite a bit and trust me my calves are letting me know it! I'm aware they are there! So it's Wednesday, I missed a short run this morning (30 minutes) but Laure is letting me borrow her jogging stroller, so I'm going to try and get a 30 minute easy run in tonight so I will be OK for tomorrow!

A whole lotta working out!

Well, I started the day off right. I got in a nice strength training session, much to the dismay of my already fatigued legs. I did a lot of lower body today, some upper body and core. I also got some cardio in. I am going to try and get a 4-5 mile run in in the morning, but don't know how far I will make it with what I did today, I only did some calf raises, most was on my quads and glutes so I should be OK.

I have 19 days until my next race and would like to strengthen up a bit to try for another PR, I really would like to get a sub 30 so I can see Cody race, but I know not to count on it. I shouldn't even count on a PR as that race falls under the worst week a month for me to run, when the relaxin is coursing its way through me. Yikes!

I am having a hard time with my water intake today, I really just want to ignore it, but can't. Oh well! I know I need to get it in so I won't have issues in the morning with my run and strength training.

Wow...I'm behind!!!

OK, so things have been a little hectic here in the Nash household. The boys got a new playhouse/swing set. We have been outside a lot. Brendan is cutting his eye teeth so he has been VERY CLINGY! He's sitting with Cody right now, behaving so let me catch you up on today and the Deleon Springs 5K.

The morning started off behind. I wasn't feeling too motivated to get out of the house. I was running a little late to get Sueann (her farm is on the way out to the race site) as I forgot to print out instructions to get to the race site. I get Sueann, we have to go back for her sunglasses. Neither of us were on our game. We get to DeLeon Springs and go through DeLeon Springs, turn around and go back. The directions were a little lacking on the site! We ask directions, get there and there are a TON of people! We have to use the restroom pretty bad at this point, but are running close on time, so decide most important is pick up our packets and put our chips and bibs on in line for the potty. We got everything on, had NOT moved 1 person, so I said I'd be right back and ran and put our packets in the car and grabbed my iPod. I turned on my Garmin to make sure I'd have satellites. I jogged back to Sueann, no one had moved!!!! So we and the lady behind us all headed to where they said there were more restrooms. We met our first race person! Her name was Lisa, she also started running when we did. She walked to the start line with us, my car was right there so she snapped a pic for us. We had less than 5 minutes to start. We cozied up in the line to get closer to the start point. The air horn blew and off we went, dodging people. This race was also a 1/2 marathon so we were all intermingled. I hit my Garmin as soon as I crossed the actual start line. The race was all country side that runs along a state park so there wasn't a lot to look at but fields of cows and trees. I hit the 1 mile mark alone, at 10:20 and was happy to see I was ahead of where I was last time. I hit 2 miles at 21:15, still on pace to get a PR. I hit the 3rd mile a little fatigued telling myself to keep it under an 11 minute pace. I saw the finish line around the bend, it said 31:42 and I started sprinting for that finish line! I ran on grass, dirt and asphalt to finish this race. Officially, from airhorn to finish line I completed the 5K at 32:05. According to the Garmin I came in at 31:23 (I could see the extra just trying to get up to the start line.) I still don't care!!! I still got an official PR!!! My previous time was 33:18.

FEMALE AGE GROUP: 30 - 39
Place O'All No. Name Age City St Time Pace
10 126 253 Holly Nash 34 Edgewater FL 32:05 10:20

It was a nice finish too! Lisa, the lady we met in line, met us at the pancake place in the park and we ended up sitting at a long table with more runners from the race. It's the kind of place you cook your own on big griddles in the middle of the table. It was fun talking about upcoming races and getting advice from them on the sprint tri. I left feeling awesome, made a new friend, got great advice and it was a beautiful day!

I got home and did my Boot Camp workout and moved the boys toy chest from their closet into the living room, as they love playing out there with us. I also went to the store, collected more toys from their room for the trash and a garage sale. Now, I'm catching up where I left off here and hoping to keep this back up!

I have tomorrow off from running, then hoping to get 4-5 miles in Tuesday. I have to go to court that day, so I'll be getting home early enough to hopefully do a 30 minute kickboxing workout. I was hoping to get a 90 minute session of yoga in, but they don't have a class until 6 and I will be home with the boys by then!