Florida Summers

Back in the humidity once again! Not that it's bothering me since I fractured my foot June 2nd!!!!!!!!! Sheesh, I can't stand it...lol. Finally was into some serious training and I stepped in a hole. Bent my foot in half. That was at mile 6 of a 7 miler and yes, I finished my run. It was sore but not deadly. Next day I ran 3 miles. It hurt but when I stopped it was...well, deadly. I waited a few days, had it x-rayed at the local walk-in clinic and the doc said no breaks. She said it was a strain. So I went on vacation and walked/limped around St Augustine for 4 days then off to Tampa and did Busch Gardens for 2 days. Tried running, tried the elliptical...failed at both.

I ran into my coach at the grocery store...had to hide all the junk I had in the cart...and she sent me to Dr Fava. She's a chiro/sports doc who also runs. She sent me off for an MRI and VOILA!! Stress fracture that was healing! (I need to write "stress fracture that is healing" or I freak a little inside.) No surprise by now but I was and am still deeply offended by that hole. I was also worried Dr Fava would attempt to ban me from my Vibrams because I would not have given them up. But guess what??? She's a Vibram runner too!! Match made in runners' heaven! She says when you step in a hole something's gotta give and if I were in regular running shoes it could have been my ankle...so no blame for my Vibrams. YAY!

Foot is feeling a lot better. I should be on a bike by next week. I was supposed to do pool running therapy but I slacked on that. Pushed me back a whole week before I could bike. Shoot. My own fault. Therapy is going well. I can walk fine and it barely bothers me now unless I put too much pressure on it. Like attempting to run. Which I don't do, Dr Fava, in case you're reading this! ;)

Obviously my training has stopped. Missed the Firecracker 5K that was supposed to debut my phenominal PR slash. I went anyway, lil tug in my heart because I love that race, but instantly felt great when I saw my friends! And who pulls up and parks beside me??? Dr Fava!! In her Vibrams!!! LOVE IT!!! I sliced watermelon and helped set up for awards then got to the finish line to CHEER! I looooove cheering at the finish line. LOVELOVELOVE! From the 15 minute kids to the finishing new runners...I just love the energy and pride in every person crossing that line. I also love doing the awards. Placing the medals around my friends' necks, handing over the trophies...makes me so happy!

I woke up that morning feeling a little sorry for myself. By the time I was driving out of the parking lot after the race, I remembered something so much more important than a missed 5K. I remembered that running is a package deal. Training is mine. PRs are mine. Goals are mine. But none of it would matter as much as it does without my fellow athletes to share it all with. I got so much joy waiting at that finish line, watching my friends coming through. I'll be back at it soon enough. And then I'll be even happier!!!

Week 5 Of Marathon Training

I'm into my 5th week of training. Last Saturday I was due for a 13 miler but I woke up Friday with a slight flu. Saturday morning was worse so I decided to put off the run until Sunday. I'm sure you can see where this is going. You are CORRECT! No long run for moi. Grrr.

Yesterday I tried a 2 miler. It was pretty warm and I had trouble breathing. I also don't like the feel of boogies running down my face. SEXY!!!! I grew concerned that a modeling agency might drive by and want me for the cover of some magazine, so I did the 2 miles in under 18 minutes and went home. I may have saved the career of a struggling model. =P

Last night I stumbled on HULU. It's a video/movie site where you can watch movies for free. I searched "Spirit Of The Marathon" and guess what??? YES!!!! They have it!!! I watched it. I saw it last year at the cinema but it was before I ran one. Watching it last night was wonderful because I could fully understand how everyone was feeling this time. Their hopes, dreams and of course...fears. I just love this movie!! It got me totally fired up!

So this morning I was dead set on doing my 13 miler. You may be thinking to yourself...."Aren't you sick, Kim??" Well, technically, yeah. But mentally...NO WAY! I just watched SPIRIT!! I am WOMAN!!! (Didja hear me roar?????) I headed out with high hopes. That were slowly slipping away as I went along my somewhat merry way. My pace was oh-so-slowwwwww...but I was actually ok with that for once. I just wanted to get the miles in today. But by mile 3 I could barely breathe and my nose was making me crazy. I turned around at 3.5 and trudged back. And I do mean trudged. It took me over an hour to run 6 miles. Surprisingly I am SO okay with that. I think I've matured as a runner. Being unable to run for almost a year taught me a few lessons. One of which is ya can't give up just because you have a couple of tough runs! I can chalk up today's run to a toughie and move on. It's a done deal. Plus...I still ran while sick. This means I have me some endurance...YES!

I have made the decision to just relax and get over this virus. I'll pop out for a few slowbie shorties this week...hopefully do some 800's before Saturday. I'll do the 13 miler this Saturday instead of the 8 that my training plan is calling for. I'll skip the 8 and do the 15 miler the following Saturday to get back on track. (no pun intended) Any advice on this plan will be greatly appreciated my fellow runners!!!!!!

Marathon Training Is ON!!!

I'm training for The Gasparilla Full Marathon on February 28, 2010. Sarasota Grouper Full has been discontinued and this is the last year for Gasparilla to host a full, so I'm happy to get to run it. It's a beautiful course, cool and flat. A perfect run for you-know-what.

I am into my 3rd week of training and feel so good! By slowing down my long run pace, I can go on FOREVER without any walk breaks. Eating better (oatmeal), potassium and B-12s have made a big difference. A month ago I had trouble with 5 miles, having to walk and feeling weak. Last weekend was my longest run since almost a year ago and here are the details...

Friday afternoon my husband and I headed out for our bi-yearly kid-free weekend away. We just drove up to Siesta Key and stayed until Sunday. We talked about my 11 miler and decided Saturday morning would be perfect. Bobby had his bike and would be my traveling water station. But we woke up to rain and cold weather. We went to breakfast, hit the mall for some Christmas shopping and had some lunch. By 1pm it had cleared up and was looking better.

We went back to the resort for a nap about 2pm. I woke up at 3pm and literally threw my running clothes on and was out the door before I could change my mind. It was about 68 degrees and I know you northerners are thinking PERFECT weather, but this Florida chick was C-O-L-D. And I hate being cold.

I had on my new NB running skirt (which kept falling down until I finally had some sweat to keep it up) my new NB visor and a sleeveless running top. I knew I'd be fine by my 2nd mile. My training guide called for 11 miles with a 10:40-11:20 pace. This is the endurance phase for a 4 hour marathon. It's all about getting the miles down, not speed. But you know me. I always go out too fast.

First 2 miles were 9:21 and 9:34. And that's with trying to go slow. Trying to tame the horses...arghhhhh!!!!

Mile 3...9:56
4...10:01 (this is the pace I wanted to hold
5...9:03 (WHAT??? I was warmed up!!!)
6...11:04 (slowed for a water stop w/hubby AND ran headfirst into the wind)
7...10:26 (making my way back to a 10)
8...9:52 (feeling very good)
9...10:14
10...10:04
11...9:32 (gotta love me a neg split!!!!)

I had some blueberry-pomagranate chews and 2 gel packs, same flavor. PURE yumminess!!! It was all I could do to eat them one at a time every 2 miles (or sooner). Oh delish!!!! I'm going to hang a gel pack off the front of my visor like the bunny at the horse races! Yummmmmmmm. My husband rode up beside me and handed me an open bottle of h2o so I didn't have to slow down at all after that 6 mile point. I'm going to string some chews on a nylon thread as a bracelet on my next long run. Bite em off as I go, like a candy jewelry thing. Maybe the cooler weather will keep them from getting messy. I'll let ya know how that goes.

At the end of the 11 miles, I honestly could have kept on running. What an awesome feeling it was stopping at mile 11 and knowing I could have kept going. Bobby was putting his bike in the van as I came down the street and I ran to him, crying. What a baby, huh? It was a pivital moment though. A couple months ago the doctor told me I would not run another marathon. After that 11 miles I know he's wrong. I CAN do it. I am so happy!

I have a friend on my FaceBook that I have known since 4th grade. Ray is a runner who has 8 marathons under his belt and is running Boston for the 4th time! I told him my splits and explained my training guide and asked him if he thought I could do a 3:50:59 instead of a 4:00. He says YES! He advised me to add some weekly mileage and to do some 800s instead of the 400's. That's all I needed to give me a bolt of hope to BQ. I want it. I need it. I will have it.

Regina talked about fear in her last post. I soooo truly understand what she's saying. Fear will hold me back if I allow it. Fear will keep me from my goal if I let it take hold. Fear has icy fingers that will grip the hopes and dreams I have for myself if given half the chance.

Not this time buddy. This girl is going to run Boston WITHOUT fear.

Getting Stronger!

This week has been pretty hectic...the holidays always are! I did get MOST of my training runs/exercises in...

I am extremely bummed that the Sarasota Grouper Full Marathon has been called off. The PR guys decided to work on the half marathon because of lack of registrants. There are usually about 3,000 runners but only about 450 run the full. Total bummer. I'm glad I had the chance to have run it once though!

I have chosen the Gasparilla Full on Feb 28, 2010 instead. This will be the last full for Gasparilla too. Gives me even more incentive to run it. My friend Bill Bonetz is running it also!!! MORE incentive! Bill is running Space Coast tomorrow. His wife Mary is doing the half. I'll be tracking their progress!!!

Turkey Trot 5K was awesome. I was hoping for a 25:55 but I did 26:31. Missed a PR by 2 seconds...lol. BUT...I beat my friend Josephine. (With love and respect..haha!) I felt great after that race. Very minimal cramping/pain for the first time in over a year. Very pleased.

I did my 8 mile training run Saturday. It was SO COLD...I had to wait until after 1pm for the sun to warm up. About 1/2 a mile out my boyfriend, Garmy, kicked. Guess he can't keep up with this ole girl...haha! I did my regular 3 mile loop back to my house...ran in and changed his batteries and ran right back out. I ran the 3 miles in just under 28 minutes, a faster pace than I wanted for a long run but I think it helped tame the wild horse inside me because I held a steady 10:10 for the next five miles. Heather was so right about slowing down. I ran the 5 without stopping and I ran an 8:40 on the last half mile. LOVE the strong finishes.

Today I feel fabulous! Changing my nutritional habits, the B-12 and potassium seem to be making a huge difference. I also have embraced the dreaded OATMEAL. UGH. Could there be anything more gross?????? Heather swears by it, so I gave it a shot. I'm sure she doesn't put 3 tablespoons of butter and a half a cup of brown sugar on hers though. The whole time I was eating it, I willed the stuff into my muscles. Instead of wanted to spit it out, I actually got it all down. Feeling so good after the longest run I've had since last March will keep me on track. I'm FIRED UP!

I am going back to the gym next week. I dropped out while I fixed myself. All the exercise classes combined with running was too much. I'm going to work it all back in slowly, starting with spin and yoga. I soooo miss yoga! My husband and I are waiting for the P90X too. That will work in very well with marathon training. It'll get Bobby back in shape after the back and neck surgeries too.

Now I will go check out Celmore...see if he's still on track too! I'm sure he is!!!!

Marathon Training

Yeah...MARATHON training! As in FULL. I have decided to go for it! I finished my 1st week of training and I have gone completely off the guide. I did 6x400's Thursday, (7:35 pace each lap) but after that, I ran to the beat of my own feet. As usual. I don't know why I even attempt to follow a guide! I am going to use it as just that though...A GUIDE. If I learned one thing in the last 2 years of my running...it's LISTEN TO MY BODY...and I am this time. And it's working!

I also got a little advice from a very, VERY respected person in our running community...Heather Butcher. I saw her the other day and told her I did 7 miles in 71 minutes. Which I was (and still am) proud of. Then I told her I walked a few times. She told me if I had to walk, I was going too fast. Hmmm...seriously?? What about the Galloway method????? At the time of our conversation, I thought 2 things...1) Could I really be going too fast??? and...2) I'm gonna just keep on keepin' on.

OH...and Heather also told me she HATES to run distance when training! WHAT??? She's done like...3 IRONMEN and 12 full marathons! She told me she mostly does 400's. And her times are to die for. I know I'd die for them. She also told me to cross train with swimming and bike. But I don't really get into those. I will attempt another spin class Monday night though.....

So Steve came over this afternoon and we decided to do 5 miles. I was scheduled to do 7 yesterday, but the 6x400's I did Thursday kicked my behind. I also had my little grandbaby Collin Saturday from 6am to 5:30pm. By the time he left, I wasn't running anything. Today I was still sore and tired, Steve is just recovering from ankle and knee glitches, so we agreed on 5 miles. He had done one 4 miler a couple weeks ago and was ready to go for 5.

As we started the run, Heather's advice came back to me. I thought...ya know...it won't kill me to slow down about 15-20 seconds a mile. Plus I wanted Steve to finish comfortably without pain...I silently agreed to myself I'd stay at 10:15. Or so. I was surprised to keep finding us at a 9:30 pace. I kept signaling to slow it down. There is a patch of grass at one point on the route that I never run across (balance and neuropathy issues) and I did still walk that. Mighta been 15 seconds. We continued on, by mile 3 or so, we walked again, about 45 seconds, so I could chew a glucose tab. Those don't feel too good when you breathe them into your lungs, it's a good idea to walk when eating those. Unfortunately for Steve, that walk ruined the rest of his run. He had to walk/run the next mile or so then called it quits because of his knee/ankle.

I kept running ahead about 1/2 mile and back tracking to stay close by. I did finish the 5 miles. The average pace was 10:15...and ya know...I did feel fine. Even tonight...the cramping is minimal and I don't feel like I over did it at all. Tomorrow I'm going to just do 2-3 miles. I want to save something for the spin class...

The training schedule I chose from the "4 months To A 4 Hour Marathon" is a very good plan. I will commit to the shorter runs during the week, long runs for a weekend and the 400's. I'll just do them when I feel it's the best time. Even though the 400's totally wore me out, I kinda liked them. =)

Thursday is the Turket Trot 5K. My family is going and I love that!!!! Kirstin is walking it with Collin and her friend Ashlee is going with her with her baby Madison. Bobby is bringing Kerri, Emily and Robby too. Steve is thinking about it. He's being a chicken. Or shall I call him a turkey????? LOL

Posting While Sweating....

That's what I'm doing...sweating!! Made it out for a shorty this morning. There's a 5K this Saturday and I REALLY want to run it. Problem is, my pride is insisting I come in under 30 minutes but my brain keeps reminding me it might be closer to a 33 minute finish. Eh, could be worse I suppose. Take my first race for instance... No really...take it! Ha!! Just kidding...it's mine and I love it.

My first race was a 4 miler called The Scholarship Run. I had been running for 6 weeks and my coach thought it was time for a race. What I didn't know then was this race was the door to the competitive athlete inside me. Only I wasn't thinking that whilst runnin' it. Noooooo...the thoughts I was thinkin' were closer to..."OMG...what the heck am I doing here??" and..."How can I call a taxi to get me to the finish line??"

But then something funny happened when I saw the finish line up ahead. I felt a chill, I was sweating profusely, my heart was racing....yes! I was dehydrated. HAha...just kidding....I felt the first fluttering of the thrill of the finish line. Then I got 2nd place in my age group. I LOVE that medal still. But most important was the sense of accomplishment that day. I'll never get sick of it.

I write about that race because it popped into my head during my 30 minute, 2.5 mile run this morning. I was starting to feel a little disappointed because I can feel how much I've lost from having to take so much time off. I am very impatient by nature so even though I KNOW I need to build it all back up, I WANT TO PICK RIGHT UP WHERE I LEFT OFF 2 MONTHS AGO. But I was feeling just as I did during that Scholarship Run 2 years ago. Tired, achy and my cardio felt awful. I was thinking it was going to take me forever to get it all back (if it can be done). But here's the thing: I ran and FINISHED an entire marathon after only running for 4 months. I did that. Me. From zero to 26.2 in 4 months. Can you feel my pride??? Can ya now?? How bout now??? Righttttttt NOW??

Anyway...I reminded myself this one important fact: I am a runner. Even if I've had to take time off. Even with having to drop some exercise classes. Even though I feel like I'm starting ALL OVER. I AM A RUNNER. Sometimes we runners have some hills to get over. I've read about it, talked about it, listened to other runners talk about it and have had to get over a few of them myself. It can be done. We, as runners, have a little something called thick skulls (JK) We have persistence. Goals. Calf muscles!!!!!!!! So I am trying to be ok with starting all over. I also understand there will be more times when I'll have to take time off again. Ok. I can do it.

Some people call them mountains.
We call them speed bumps, don't we????

Make That 10 Mile Run A 9 Miler!

Oh I'm so happy!!! Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalaaaa!!!

I met Reg and Mike at the gym at 3pm for our long run. Within moments, my prediction of angel vs devil became evidentally correct! Mike asked if we were still doing 8 miles, I said no. We're doing 10. He said 10!! I said "8....10....what's the difference??? LOL He laughed and said ok. Then he asked what pace. I said 10 minute pace. He said "10 minute pace!!" I started laughing because I knew he'd want to do a 12 so we could chat. Mike and I have great runs together, we can talk about anything. I so enjoy our runs together, honestly.

But today I was on a mission. My running history has been so off the wall. I'm slowly getting control of my leg muscles back. A few weeks ago I could only get 2-2.5 miles out before my legs did that numb/weird thing and I'd have to walk back. Then I got to 5 miles before it happened. I was hoping the timing would keep doubling and I'd get to 10 miles this time.

Nope. I started feeling that leg fatigue at about 6 miles. I ignored it. By mile 7 my feet and lower legs were numb. I had to do short walk breaks for like 15-20 seconds every 4-5 minutes. By mile 8 I felt like from my hips down were detached. I pinched my quads real hard and didn't feel a thing. I was running a little sideways. I told Reg this and we switched sides so if I fell I wouldn't fall on him...haha! Kidding, we switched so I'd be closer to the grass. I let him know I was going to stop at 9 miles. Which I did. Reg kept running the last half mile back to the gym. Mike had just arrived there when we walked in too.

And HEY!!! I almost forgot to tell ya....we put our drinks on a fence post and when we got back to them someone had taken my Gatorade!! Hahahaha!!! Little monkeys at the skatepark, I bet.

Here's the run history off my garmin:

Run time: 1:31:58
Run distance: 9 miles
Avg pace: 10:13
Best pace: 6:01

I showed my coach, Jim, who was at the gym when we got back and he said I did a great job! Nothing like hearing that from your coach!!!!!!

I feel a little worried about how far I'll get during the half marathon. It's 3 weeks away, I'm hoping to condition my muscles by then. I'll be potassium loading while everyone else carbo loads...lol. Reg gave me some pretty fantastic news. He said he's going to run with me for the whole half! I was very surprised since he can easily do it in wayyyyy under 2 hours. He said he didn't care about his time, he is going to run with it me. I'm very touched. Very happy. He kept me motivated through out today's run. I was feeling really nervous at the 6 mile mark when that old familiar heaviness began, but we kept going. Every time he said I was doing well, it gave me a surge of energy.

This 9 miler is the longest run I've had since October. A very long time. It feels so fantastically wonderful to sit here and write this post after only 8 days after hearing my doctor tell me to run with my feet side to side. I knew when he said that I was NEVER gonna run from side to side. I'd fall first. Maybe get a pretty pink cast, but NO running side to side for THIS CHICK.

And I was right. I love when that happens.
Lalalalalaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

EDIT FOR MELANIE: No...lol...but I'd be willing to visit in the summer....hahaha!!!

Taking A Little Break

Happy Holidays to everyone!!!

This is going to be a crazy week over here at my house. I'm taking some time out for the family. I'm also thinking I need a rest from exercise/running and now's the time to let my body truly heal. I hurt myself 3 times in 3 days and I will take the hint! I'm not really sure what's happening with my marathon training or the sprint tri I wanted to do in April. I'll play it by ear. I have a good base, if I can impliment a safe "catch-up" I will. If I can't, well then I'll find another marathon or tri for later.

I hope to get a decent run in by the 3rd week of January with Jim, my coach. He's been doing the senior olympics the last couple months and hasn't been able to get in a distance run with us for me to get a feel for where I'm at. Falling twice in a 24 hour period has left me feeling like I was in a car accident...pretty sore all over! My pride is a bit damaged too. Funny thing is, my toe, which bled like a stuck pig and had the top almost torn off...doesn't even hurt. It's numb, like my brain. Thank God for small miracles I guess.

I will still be by to read my special blog friend's posts! I can't go too long without seeing what you're all up to. Especially since my husband is also hooked and reads them aloud to me while I'm busy doing other things....lol. I just won't be posting for now.

By the way.....Jim has qualified in the senior games ONCE AGAIN FOLKS!!! All of us are very proud of him. He is a true athlete!

Clearing Up A Misunderstanding

This shaving of the 5K is confusing me, and I, in turn, are confusing you. Or "y'all" as we say down here in the south.

So.....My time to shave was 31:05. My best PR is 27:25. I DID shave overall but I was looking for one last PR for the challenge.

Yesterday after the race I was feeling like I ran a not-so-great race, but by last night I realized I am lucky to have even been able to do that race at all. So I'm happy!

Shaving My 5K...Yes or No

No.

ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!

But I saw Sherry so it was worth running in the unbelievably cold, windy weather. OMG, it was C-O-L-D! 42 degrees and sooooo windy. The first mile went ok, I had to pull back a few times when my Garmin read 7:40 (!!!) I wanted to hold an 8:30 pace for 3 miles then fly for .1 but the wind was crazy. I hit mile 1 at 8:30, I was happy with that and hoping to maintain but the wind kicked in right after that. I felt like I was running place.

My feet were freezing, my hands were aching and my face was numb. By 1.5 miles my knee was whispering sweet nothings in my ear. And it wasn't saying "I love you". It was saying..."Get the heck off me". I didn't listen. Why should I???? I've been laying low for 2 months now. TWO MONTHS. I've missed 6 races!!! This was the last race of the year for me to shave my 5K time. I had hopes. I had dreams. I had.....a sore knee. And wind. And cold.

I'll admit I was feeling a little bummed now and then. I knew I wasn't going to see a miracle. But ya know what??? I was running my first race in 2 months and I really was grateful for that.

OH-OH-OH!!!! My friend Ed just called me!!! He helped with the race results etc and just called to give me my stats.....28:29 and 1st place in my age division! I am very pleasantly surprised!! You may be wondering why I didn't know this.....I had a 9 mile training run with Chris this morning and couldn't hang around for the results. I was bummed about that because I really love to see my runner friends get their results/medals but I had that prior commitment to run.

But once I got to the gym, my knee was pretty sore. I had a hot chocolate to defrost my insides and contemplated the 9 mile run. Chris came in all bouncy and positive and I didn't want to rain on that awesome attitude so I made the attempt to run. I got about 200 yards and KNEW it wasn't gonna happen, baby. I planted the cooler with the Gatorade and Gu packs at the post and yelled up to Chris. He came back and I told him my knee made other plans. My knee was being a Princess and didn't wanna run. Chris was so fired up he kinda said no problem and trotted off. I felt a wave of envy mixed with pride for him. He will do so well in the marathon! I drove past him on my way home and yelled out some cool "coach-type" words of encouragement. I'll catch up with him later to get the scoop!

EDIT!!!!!!!!!

No shaving my 5K! Sorry for the confusion. My PR is 27:25, I did 28:29 today. The part that surprised me was placing 1st for my age division!!!!

Today is my beloved husband's birthday. He's a lot older than me at 46 years old. I'm only 42, still a chick. He's beautiful inside and out. I'm so very thankful he was born. He's the best husband and father I know. I love him more than I can say. We're going to dinner tonight, I'm looking forward to spending quality time together. Especially later...teehee.....

Here's Mr Birthday Man.....

Love, Love, Love this man.

I'm Baaaaaack!!!!!!

Yep, it's true!! I can tell you I am once again, a RUNNER! I have run 2 days in a row without that debilitating pain....yippeeeee!!!!

I have been spit on twice though. Chris spit INTO the wind Tues morning and it came back and got me on the arm. Yummy. I woulda thought it was raining, but I happened to be looking in the direction of which the spittle came from. It was clear and minute, so I let it go. Today I got spit on by a new runner friend. In the face! Yeah.....LOL...I guess you could say WE BONDED! What's a little saliva between running buddies, huh?????

So Tues morning Chris and I ran about 2.5 miles. He had a sore achilles, which sucks, and I was so worried about my knees that we did a nice easy run. Very enjoyable and light. No pain and I felt fine after. And he ALLOWED talk time. I know! How sweeet! He read my blog and decided he didn't want to be known as my "fuddy-duddy-running-buddy. LOL...He's a good guy!

Today I ran with Steven and Reg. Reg is from Canada. I guess people REALLY do live there! I thought it was way too cold for human habitat, especially in December, but Reg seems relatively normal...LOL. Kiddin'....Reg is a great guy. He's here in Florida because Canada is freakin freezin. He kicked my woe-begotten ass this morning, may I add.

We started out talking and running easy. Withing 2 minutes, I peeked at my Garmin to find us at an 8:20 pace. Geez! I thought I was going to kill my knees at that pace! I was wrong....we kept going....Reg talks in the METRICS. Sigh. He must not know we Americans revolted against that particular type of measurement. Yeah, we PRETEND to know metrics when we talk about distance AT TIMES. But that's only in reference to races. In our everyday talk, no metrics are used. So we spent a goodly amount of time going back and forth with figuring out distances and paces. Blah. I hate math.

I did need to do some walking, that pace was pretty fast for me as I haven't really been able to let loose for 2 months, thanks to the IT band. But guess what?? I loved it!! It felt like such an awesome workout! I could feel my heart racing, blood pumping, legs eager for the next turnover! Not the blueberry turnover, I mean the leg turnover....anyway....

I was very happy to find out I could really, truly run again. Oh JOY!!!! I'm not sure I would have pushed myself if Reg hadn't led me along. I was still in that euphoria 2 hours later!

Steven decided to wear his cleats for the run. Yes, you read that correctly. CLEATS! I said to him, that he was crazy! He said he hopped into his truck and headed over, forgetting he only had his cleats in the truck, not his sneakers. OMG. He ran in the grass beside us, I was worried the whole time. He's 21 yrs old though. You know how those crazy kids are....LOL. Love that kid.

I have a new goal. I wanna do a sprint triathlon. There's one on April 9, 2009. Chris is interested too. We will begin adding in the training for that very soon. Swimming and biking are great cross training for the marathon, so it should work out well. We're very excited!!!!!! My husband is thrilled I'm adding biking to my menagerie of exercising. This is something we can do together. I look forward to kicking his beautiful ass soon.

Now all I need to do is learn how to breathe while I swim. And keep my legs straight. Oh, and the bike part should be a blast on my Schwinn 21 speed. HA!!!!!

I Am A Swimmer....

Kinda. I had my first lesson last Saturday!!! It was a "balmy" 51 degrees out and I was hesitant, but I did it! The water was 85 degrees, so it felt fine. Bob, our Aquatics Director and my friend, met me in the pool for my first lesson. Bob was a swim/dive star in high school and college, so I was in good hands. Plus he promised CPR if I was drowning. I had THAT to look forward to. And don't think for one minute I didn't think of faking it to see if he'd really save me.

Bob took a few minutes to explain to me that the idea of swimming is to stay above the water and not sink. Got it. He also explained I had to breathe. Got that too. Then he told me to keep my legs straight while I kicked to move through the water. Ok! Bob told me to reach with cupped hands, like I was pulling the water TO ME. Yes, I promised to do it all.

I didn't sink. I also didn't keep my legs straight or breathe. BREATHE???? No. Not I. I can breath OUT, but I can't be moving around in the water and find the time to INHALE! Then I would drown. Other than those minUUUUte infractions, Bob said i did well. He's sweet, huh?

Then came diving. We stood side by side on the edge of the pool. Arms up, bent forward, head between elbows. My stomach was a wreck. I felt a little dizzy too. Bob said to just let myself fall forward gently. I did it! I was so happy! I hopped back out, determined to actually dive confidently. Took me just a few seconds to go with a little jump. I did it again!! I did a few of those and then I tried a dive further out and it was easy! I L-O-V-E diving!!! I felt so powerful to be diving. I felt so awesome. I swear, I walked around all day smiling. I'm looking forward to practicing swimming. And especially diving. Bob's going to show me a few cool dives, I cannot wait!!!

RUNNING UPDATE:

I met Chris for our long run Saturday morning. It was a 7 miler and I was unsure if I could make it that far (crazy knees) but I figured I'd be there for Chris anyway. Found out a very important thing about my new friend Chris. He doesn't like to talk or BE talked TO for the first coupla miles. Well. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't usually go too long without talking. This is not good. This is a major conflict folks!!! I really tried not to talk to him, but I kept forgetting!! Then I told him I don't need any answers or even for him to be a part of the dialogue. I can talk to myself just fine. Turns out it makes him tired to hear me talk. Pfffft. Nice. I will start wearing my iPod and he can tap me when he's ready for some conversation I guess. It's ok. My feelings are not hurt. Anymore.

All kidding aside, I enjoy running with Chris. He's doing GREAT and showing some serious endurance. By the end of the 7 miles, he was yelling "7 miles ain't NUTHIN!!!" Like Rocky Balboa's coach. Heehee! Hey Chris...."It ain't NUTHIN" man".....LOL (just wait for mile 20.....hahahaha....)

So my knees got tender at mile 5. We did plenty of walk breaks and kept the pace slow so I did actually finish the 7 miles. I probably walked a half mile straight by mile 6, then did a slow run the last mile. Other than sore knees, I felt fine. no soreness anywhere else. I am afraid to say I'm on the mend, but my fingers are crossed for the Winter Waddle 5k Saturday.

I met up with my friend Bill, Mr Space Coast Marathon Man, at our Zoomers running group's Christmas party last Wed. I got all the details!! He had a great time, the weather was perfect! Beardsley had to cancel because he had KNEE SURGERY. Scary, huh???? Bill was wearing his marathon shirt. Very cool shirt. I SOOOO loved talking with him, getting all the details. We'll be running together at sarasota in Feb!!! YAY BILLL!!!!!!!!

Gotta go read my Boggy friend's blogs, I've been absent far too long. Lets see what Sherry and Glaven are up to.......

You're My Butterfly...Sugar Baby

Ok, I have 2 butterflies, a tongue and no strep throat. I'd be callin' me a winner!

I have discovered a new (to me) exercise called "Spin Cycling". Oh baby. It's a good time. A REAL good time. Except on some parts of me. I don't know how guys ride bikes. I will be chatting with the hubby later tonight, as he's a biker. Hasn't seemed to deter him from other activities that would seem to ME to be deterred from after a guy rides a bike. If it did, I'd be popping his tires every night.

I think this spin class will be great for cross training for endurance. I'm going to ask my coach if he could somehow incorporate some of them for Team Endurance Phase 2! Which starts Nov 22nd! We have 2-3 new team mates, I am very excited. It'll be nice not to have to be there at 6am now that the weather is better. It was too hot to start after 8am during the summer here. Jeez...it was too hot to run at 6am!

I had a 5 mile run planned yesterday with Mike. My knee felt tight by mile 2, no pain. By mile 3 it started to hurt a little but I kept going. By mile 4.5 I had to walk. Mike ran ahead and I thought he was getting the car to come get me BUT NO! I had to limp back to the gym. When I saw him I asked him why he didn't come get me. He said I didn't ask him to. PFFFFT...a good running partner should know when I need a ride without me having to ask. But then I had to admit to him,that had he come to get me I would have been insulted that he THOUGHT he needed to pick me up. So either way, he loses. That's how I roll...LOL (hugs Mike)

My knee was painful this morning but I went to spin class anyway. It seems to have worked it out. I did the grocery shopping and was walking fine. I was sweaty, but no problems with my knee. I wish I had an IT band across my abs. That would be nice! Sick of my fridge being the only place with a six pack around here.

Little Bit Behind In Training

Well, I read the book "4 Months To A 4 Hour Marathon" about 2 months ago. Promptly put it down and never thought about it again. I peeked at the training schedule last week and thought maybe I could hop into week 6 and hope for the best. That was before I twisted my foot Sunday. I hate to admit this, but I was reluctant to do this training before I hurt myself for 2 reasons....I run if/when I feel like it, so it's hard to be on a schedule, and I had NO IDEA what a 400 meter run was. Finally remembered to ask my coach. He had to draw it for me, I'm just that dumb.

Honestly, the only time I start to obsess about timing or speed is when a 5k is coming up. I'm running my first 10K on Saturday but I don't feel the need for speed in that for some reason. Only the 5K races. I thoroughly enjoy a long leisurely run with no limits on miles or pace. That being said...I want to run the half marathon in Oct in under 2 hours VERY BADLY. Call it inner conflict....I'm a woman. I know I won't be fast if I don't train for speed, but it only bugs me before a 5k or when I talk about Boston. Then it becomes a problem in my head. I wish I knew someone else who felt this way too. Maybe there's someone like me out there. Am I not a serious runner???

Today I was supposed to do 16x400's, but when I told my coach I was going to do that this morning he said not to be stupid. I twisted my ankle. He's right, so I skipped it. I did my yoga class....I love yoga! Anyway, I'm so off the schedule, I think I may as well try the 400's tomorrow. If it hurts, I will stop.

I think I'm ready for another shot at the trail run. I want to try it with my running shoes instead of my trails. I also want to do it without a watch, just a sweet run. The last trail run was not too enjoyable but I think it was because I was very uncomfortable in those Nike Trails and I was behind the fast runners. I do get competitive, it will take over if I let it. Once I stopped for water and wasn't trying to keep up with them, it wasn't so bad. Only trouble was, before I could settle into it with my new attitude, the sky opened up and the thunder and lightening made us have to stop. I will try it again soon.

My next race is Saturday, a 10k. It's my first so I'll be ok with whatever time I get. As long as it's under 1 hour.....LOL...told ya I was conflicted!!!! Sighhhhh......

Tempo Run

I went to the gym last night for a yoga class. I missed it by 30 minutes, my life story. But hey...it got me out of the house right after dinner time. That's a busy time of day at my house and I was more than happy to use yoga as an excuse to leave the dishes. Not that I need an excuse. I do it all the time. In fact....I decided they could wait until this morning, only I had to run out at 9am for a gym class with 2 meetings right after. I was going to clean up after the meetings but I was invited to lunch with some of my runner friends. So I went. I'm still full from that Philly cheesesteak. I'm glad I skipped helping Ed finish off his fries. When I got home the landscaper guy was waiting (working on a little surprise for my husband for Father's Day... Shhhhhhhhhh)

I couldn't let him in my house because of the dishes, so I guess I got punished for slacking....haha! Like I care....ANYWAY.....

Back to last night. My husband wanted to go for a bike ride but I won the "first out" because I had a scheduled yoga class. So he had to stay home with the kids and I pranced out the door....heehee

I met Michelle at the gym and we chatted for about 40 minutes. She's the one who told me I missed the class. I felt a twinge of guilt when I thought about Bobby pacing back and forth waiting for his turn, kids leaving a mess from dinner, dishes in the sink....but the twinge passed faster than a cramp in my calf. Out the back door of the gym I went, not a care in the world...lalalalaaaaaa

As I set up my iPod I decided to run the 3 miles home and have Bobby bring me back later to get my car. Then I thought I'd just do a 4 mile loopy. I started out at a slow pace, warming up when I felt a burst of energy. I decided to do some of those "frolics" I love so much. I ran as fast as I could for the length of the fence. I know most of you don't know how far that is, sorry, just know it's like....from here to there. Just about a telephone pole to pole distance. When I was out of breath I ran slow. I ran that way the first mile and was surprised to see it took me 7:38. Two songs. I turned around and ran the mile back to the gym the same way. That was 8:42. Two songs again, but the songs were longer than the 1st 2. (Still with me?)

As I walked to my car my coach was walking through the parking lot so I told (yelled across more like it) him what I just did. He said that's called a "tempo run". Hmmm....never heard of those but I like 'em. Left me feeling like I had a workout in a very short time. Invigorating.

As I was driving back home I passed a HOT biker. I looked again and saw that it was my husband. Man I love those bike shorts. I pulled over, he turned around and I ran back to him. We smooched in the street, both of us a little sweaty, kinda romantic. Then I asked him where he stashed the kids. My 19 yr old came home so she was with them. Lucky break for Bobby!!!

I mentioned before that I've only ever run to train for a marathon. That was for endurance and pacing, never speed, so this is all new stuff for me. I like it! It a renewed sense of learning and it's so interesting. I'm getting pumped just thinking about running fast. There's a race this Saturday but it starts late. I have to work at 9am and I won't get back in time. Kinda bummed about that. My husband reminded me I can't run ALL the races. NO FAIR!

Well...I gotta go do the dishes. Some stuff I can't get out of. Dishes are just one of them.

Shaving My 5K....

As I have already posted, I ran a 5K last weekend for kids with cleft palates. It was called The Smile Train and it raised $3000. It only takes $250 per child, so it will help 12 kids. I feel so good about that. Some of you may know I have a child who received a liver transplant when she was a year old. She'll be 22 in July!!! Over the years of spending so much time in New England Med Center in Boston, we saw many, many kids who needed so much. It was both heart breaking and a gift to have met all of them and their families. This race was a special one.

I went back and looked up all my 5K times (and one 4 miler)...

45:48...4 miler...Scholorship Run on Dec '07
31:05...Resolution run 5K in Jan '08
30:52...5K Lamarque Feb '08
30:50...5K Boca Grande Feb '08
29:04...5K Smile Train May '08 (my new PR....for now)

They SLIGHTLY get better each time, and I'm HAPPY with that, BUT...all of a sudden I'm feeling a whole lot of ambition to really make a difference on the next one. I have some speed training coming and I'm going to make the best of it!!

My coach, Jim, is starting a training program for a half marathon coming up in September. My two older daughters are signing up and I thought it would be AWESOME to go through the training with them. I'm so excited by this. I ask them everyday if they're really going to do it. They keep saying "Yes Mom"....LOL. They're even getting some matching Asics....YAY!!!! They don't know it yet but we're going to wear matching outfits too.....heehee. This is starting in June. I think it will help my speed too.

My friend Sherry has posted her FANTASTIC tri results here http://awomaninmotion.blogspot.com/ Check out her exciting post!! We're all so very proud of you Sherry!!! And here's to Scott's speedy recovery so he can get back into it with you.

My coach is also a very talented singer/songwriter. One of my favorite songs is called "Destiny" and he let me make a little video for it on youtube. Go check that out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa3m7l6j2VI I had a lot of fun making it, let me know what you think! It's about making choices, taking roads that lead to great things. Good song to run to and reflect with.

Happy running!!!

Smile Train 5K

Got a new PR today!! 29:04!!
I was hoping for a 27 (ha) as usual, I reach too far ahead. I had a GREAT time, saw a bunch of people I just L-O-V-E! About 5 of us got a new PR, pretty exciting.

Gotta go to work now though, be back later for a better report.

Recovery Time Completed...

Handsome hubby, Bob on a harley at Disney

Some cool fireworks, Disney style.

People dancing to "YMCA".....lol

National anthem....

Here's Ellyn and Cindy, we were in line for the powder-potty....heehee...

The pictures from the 15K didn't come out too well. Posted them anyway...

I had a great time running the Minnie Mouse 15K, but my calfs and right hammy have been sore. Today my muscles feel WONDERFUL! I did my yoga class this morning and got a great stretch out of it. It's such a relaxing class. I enjoy it very much.

I was supposed to meet Mike at the gym for a 6 miler after yoga but he came in with his pants all ripped to let me know he took a spill on his motorcycle! He said he was going home. That was 3 hours ago and I've left messages for him. He hasn't called me back yet. I hope he's not at the hospital!

So now I'm kinda hanging around waiting. I'll go for a short run in about 30 minutes if I don't hear from Mike.

I ran into my neighbor PJ, the fireman at the gym. He had knee surgery and couldn't run...wahhhh...I'm solo today. I have half a mind to lay by the pool.....

Slowing (or stopping) To Smell The Flowers

I mentioned a few posts ago about my method of running. I had talked with my coach, Jim about a week ago about how I didn't think I was a "real" runner because I am so lax about about it. Half the time I forget my watch, the other half I forget to time myself. Never mind the fact that I have NEVER remembered to hit the stop watch thingy on my watch. Jim listened as I talked (just one of the things I like about this guy)...and I was telling him how I don't time anything. I walk when I feel like it, I run when my legs start back up. It's a mindless method. There are times when I don't realize I've walked until I've started running again. The distance I set out to run is never the distance I wind up doing. Ever. Sometimes it's shorter, sometimes it's longer. I just never really know what I'm in for.

If I'm running with someone, I don't think twice about stopping to walk so I can enjoy the conversation. (this drives Mike CRAZY, which is why I do it when I run with him....haha). Running with Jim is an experience. He is a coach by nature, I learn something new every time we run. I walk away from those runs with a confidence only a great coach can bestow so effortlessly.

During my first couple months of training for the Sarasota Marathon with Jim, one thing that stuck in my mind was him telling me to always pay attention to my body signals. He said I'd learn to recognize the cues for when I needed a walk break and when it was time to run again. Jim said so much of it is mind over matter and believing I could do it. I had to learn to run through some stuff, like laziness, boredom or just plain not being in the mood to run. Getting the breathing down was probably the most difficult part for me. There were times when I thought I'd faint from lack of air, but I'd hear Jim's voice telling me to walk until I could breath again. It was like getting "permission" to rest a bit. I realized pretty quickly into the training that it was MUCH more enjoyable to let myself build up the endurance, rather than running until I hated it.

As I began to see that I could run for longer periods of time without stopping, I felt such a feeling of pride in myself that I learned to use this as fuel. Distance became my main focus. Endurance was what I was training for. I wanted to LEARN how to run 26.2 miles in under 5 months. I did get a few looks of utter disbelief. And I had my moments of self doubt, but luckily I had a coach who would remind me I was the captain. It was going to be up to me, so I'd pull it back together.

Jim set the pace for 12 minute miles in the beginning. I never did learn that pace, I kind of went with about an 11 mm. As soon as I told him I had the 11mm down, he said to go to 10 mm. Jim thought this would be a good pace for the marathon. It would get me a decent finishing time without killing me. He was right. I loved that marathon. I enjoyed myself immensely. I met a lot of fantastic people along the way and I didn't feel like I was dying until mile 23....lol. (I did snap out of it fairly quickly though)

Another very smart thing Jim taught me, was that all I really wanted to do for my first marathon was FINISH. He said the next marathon would only be better if I took that perspective. I admit I didn't really feel that way until about mile 2 of the marathon. I wanted to finish in 5 hours but Jim wouldn't even answer me when I asked if I could. He said try for 6 hours. I was mad at him for that....lol. I thought it meant he didn't believe I could do it. At mile 2 of that marathon it hit me for what it really was. He didn't want me to feel any pressure. He knew I'd never have another first marathon and he was trying to tell me to enjoy it for what it was. He actually said those words but my stubborness blocked it out until mile 2. I could almost hear him say it again right at that moment and I felt a relaxation that surprised me. I swear, I think I smiled every step of that 26.2 miles. Except at mile 23, but within 10 minutes I was smiling again. (I think...lol)

I told you THAT, to tell you THIS...

I learned that (almost) every step can be enjoyable. It even works with my life motto, which is...MY LIFE IS WHAT I MAKE OF IT. (my other motto is EVERYTHING IS RELATIVE) That means, if I'm feeling miserable, I have the choice to let go of whatever it is that's bothering me and have a great day, OR...I can embrace the misery and lose an entire day of my life. Anyone who knows me, knows I am happy 98% of the time. I guess it's only natural that this would tie into my running too.

Yesterday at the Minnie 15K, I felt this. I had not been able to run for almost 2 months because of the flexor. I have run 3-4 times in the last week or two, 4 miles being the longest run. With lots of walking. I had no idea how I would do in the 15K. I worried I'd lost all my endurance, I worried about my flexor being reinjured, I worried about having to pull out because of those things. But once again, when the starting gun went off and I began to run, something happened. As I put one foot in front of the other, I paced my breathing first like I always do. I had my iPod on this time and I had the volume on low so I could talk to Cindy. I had to find a slower pace because it was so crowded, so it was easy to just tell myself to enjoy. I looked around at all the other women, some were mom/daughter teams, some sister/sister, some were groups. Every shape, size, color and speeds. I felt the kinship immediately. I was so happy I was running after the flexor injury. I was so happy my family was sleeping soundly at the hotel.

Once again I took the time to take it all in. I heard Jim's voice telling me I'd be fine. Friday we ran a trial 5K and afterward he told me I was a strong runner, that I'd do well. That came back to me in the first 10 minutes of the race. I felt peaceful, which is a weird thing to be feeling in a 15K race, but it's true. The conversation I had with my coach that day about my not feeling like a "real" runner came back to me too. Jim said I AM a true runner, I just choose to enjoy it. He said I took what I needed from my training and I use it to fit my running.

I've been thinking a lot about this, since I haven't been able to run I've had the time to think. And I think it goes back to my coach. Right from the start he trained me to enjoy running. Jim's method of coaching is to instill confidence and comfort. I'm not the only one to see this. Quite a few people have told me how much they get out of Jim's training whether it's personal training, running or even fitness of all levels. He's even tempered, calm and reassuring. He has a straight forward attitude that is mixed with just the right amounts of teaching, positive encouragement and discipline that makes us believe in our own abilities. So it's no wonder that I have taken my own road to my personal running goals. Between Jim's easy going words of encouragement and my own longing to enjoy ALL of my life it's only natural for me to find the joy in running.

Today I am tired and sore and...yes...very happy. I feel good about myself and I'm back to running. I have more goals, like running Boston someday. Honestly, I think it will be 2010 but that's ok. I have plenty of time to reach that goal. I also think it would be VERY cool to run that particular race with my coach. I haven't told him that part yet though.....lol. Just seems fitting since it's because of him I am a runner, don'tcha think????

This post was prompted by my friend Sherry's blog post. http://www.blogger.com/profile/02082457871394785441 Sherry was bitten by the "I'm gonna enjoy this gift" bug on Saturday while volunteering for the TriAmerica series. (and she thought that bug was a noseeum). Sherry has been training for her first triathalon since October and was feeling a whole lot of emotions during Saturday's race. She met someone who she saw as a wonderful athlete. He took the time out of his race to wish her luck and tell her she'll do a great job. I felt it in her post when she said she realized at that moment that she had a choice to race hard or to stop and smell the flowers along the way, and she "chose the latter". Sherry wants to enjoy her first triathalon next week. She wants to come away from it knowing she's an athlete, that she can finish what she set out to do. All of us who know her already know she'll do that. But it was the words of that man that struck her soul. Made her understand that what she is going to do that day is wayyy deeper than finishing her first tri with a good time. It's about an inner feeling of an accomplishment that only she can give herself. Anyone can tell you to run real fast, pedal your bike hard, swim across the pool. Only Sherry can actually do that for herself in the end. It's really up to us to see that commitment we made to ourselves pay off. It's a very fine line between racing so hard we lose the joy, and racing hard enough that we do a good job AND can still love what we're doing. Sherry got that from that athlete she met on Saturday. I understand that because that's what I got from my coach, Jim. Only I didn't "get it" until mile 2 of my marathon.

Sherry wrote that she hopes that man could find out what a difference he just made for her. I bet she'll get to tell him. I've been trying to find a way to tell my coach those very words without sounding like a crazed stalker. And crying....lol. Maybe he'll read this and "get it". At least he won't have to run a marathon to figure out that I think he's an awesome coach. He won't get a subliminal message at water table 2 that he made a huge difference in my running. That because of his coaching methods he has created a runner who loves to run, who does stop to smell the flowers along the way and who will be running for a very long time.

I do have a competitive streak in me too, I do plan on meeting a few goals, two of which are running a faster 5K and BOSTON. But you can bet I'm gonna have a good time along the way to getting there. Thanks to my coach Jim AND myself.

Minnie Mouse Race Report

We left for Disney Friday afternoon. We were going to stay 2 nights but my 10 yr old Emily got sick last night. She was up pretty much until I had to leave at 4:30 this morning for the race. I didn't get a whole lotta sleep....So we booked another night, tonight, so Bob could take our 9 yr old son to Epcot. Worked out well, Emily and I slept for 3 hours this afternoon. Hence the early race report! I have some pictures, but I can't download them until I get home. I'll post those later.

I had pasta premivera for dinner at Planet Hollywood....ok, ok....and 2 beers. I carbed this time instead of the steak philly I had before the Sarasota marathon...lol. Went to bed at 10pm, but was up most of the night with Emily. I met my friend Cindy at the big coke cup and we drove over to the Epcot parking lot. Disney bused us over to Animal Kingdom to the starting line. We were early. I even said it didn't look like 3,000 people were running. I was wrong! They began to show up in droves! I ran into my friend Ellyn too! We let her cut us for the port-a-potty, what are friends for??????

We lined up at the 9-11 mm and got ready to go. As we came up on a curve we looked ahead and saw about 1000 runners! It was amazing to see. Then when we got to the end of the curve we looked back and saw another 1000 runners! It was a pretty tight crowd. It wasn't like that for the marathon. I didn't like that feeling at all. It probably worked out though because I couldn't take off like I wanted to, I had to keep a slow pace. I worked a few frolics in when I could.

The first 4 miles went very well. It was warm, but not too bad. A little breeze came through now and then. I hit mile 4 at 42 minutes. Mile 7 at 66 minutes. I wanted to finish at 1:20 but I knew it would be a stretch. I have only been running 3-4 times since the marathon March 2nd, thanks to a hip flexor injury. I was very concerned with injuring it again today, I went easy because of that too. I swear it had nothing to do with the tight proximity to the other runners throughout the entire race...ha!

I was pretty hot by mile 7. By hot, I'm not talking about goodlookin'. I'm talking about sweating like a P-I-G. Very sexy, I know. I took water at every table but it was hard to drink it for some reason. I took note of my running group. I was pretty much staying with the same group of ladies. When I did my 45 second walks I memorized the people I was dropping behind. Then as I started running again, I found myself back with them. Jim is so right, you don't lose much time when you take a quick walk break. I felt rested and invigorated and I wasn't struggling. I love this method because it lets me enjoy these races. I need to be able to talk (oh, big surprise), and I love to see the sights. If I'm not having a good time, I don't want to do it.

I was with Cindy for awhile, but lost her before mile 4. I couldn't see too far ahead. Cindy doesn't like to talk while running so it was probably for the best....lol. Ellyn sprinted past us at mile 2, never saw her again. She was like a blur.

Another thing I love about this walk/run method is, I have some energy to make a strong finish. It feels so fantastic to get into a full out sprint to cross that line strong. Very satisfying.

Cindy finished 6 minutes ahead of me, I never saw Ellyn again.

So I finished at 1:40:08. I had hoped for a 1:20, but my best 5K time is 30:50. Kind of a far reach to hope for 1:20. If I had stayed at my 10 minute pace I would have finished at 1:35 for this 15K. All in all, I am very pleased with 1:40:08. I haven't been able to train for 2 months. Been stuck in the gym on the machines while my flexor healed. And healed it is! It is a little sore right now, but not bad, not bad!! Once again, I had a great time, lots of fun and met some new people. I've been to Disney about 5-6 times but running it gave me a new perspective. It may never be the same for me again!

My next race is Saturday. A 5K run called "Miles For Smiles". All proceeds go to kids with cleft palate. Worthy, worthy cause.