Thanks

thanks Lana for the Gift Card. I finally got my skirt order and I am going to be so cool at our next race

In Ink

Last night I signed up for the McMinnville City Triathlon. Team Magic is offering a $10 discount for each race you sign up of before the end of the year, so that one is in ink. On the other hand, the Team Nashville 10 mile run that I wanted to do in February is on the same day as our last basketball game that my team will cheer for. That one is erased from the plan.

I got up at 6:15. I got on the scale. It moved, in the right direction. I can already feel the sand between my toes.

It was cold but not dark. I got to run my 6 mile route instead of just loops around my neighborhood. I still ran slowly, 57:36 9:36 pace.

I spent the morning taking down the Christmas tree and the lights outside.

Then at about 1:30, I got on my trainer and tried one of the other workouts on my new DVD. It was just as boring and I quit after 35 minutes. I am going to have to get more of the spinervals series. I really like the Have Mercy workout I have.

Now it is off to Wal-Mart. I have showered and dressed but that is it, so you know I am going to run into everyone I know.

Trade Off

This morning when the alarm went off at 4:45, I just could not get out of bed. I reset the clock for 6:15, and then spent that hour and a half feeling guilty. I was not off to a good start on my quest to lose 20 pounds.

After work I thought about putting my bike on the trainer and trying one of the other 2 workouts on my new DVD, but Tracy called and twisted my arm to go to the movies. We took the kids to see Charlotte’s Web. And you know when you go to the movies, you have to have popcorn.

When we got home, I changed and went for a run before I could change my mind. It was cold and dark. So basically I just traded a cold, dark morning run for a cold, dark evening run.

I ran 6 miles in 56:32, 9:25 pace. I got a side stitch around mile two. That is the first time I have gotten a side stitch, must be from too much popcorn.

Game On

This morning I got up at 5:00. It was cold and dark. I ran an uneventful slow 6 miles in 56:24 (9:24 pace).

Today Dawn and I decided that we need motivation. So we have promised ourselves a girls’ trip to someone warm with a beach once we each lose 20 pounds. Dawn, I am going to be pestering you daily. You better get that treadmill dusted off and put down that beer.

When I got home from work today (yes, I had to go back), I tried out my new cycling DVD. It was 1:15 of endurance training. I am not nearly as impressed with this one as my No Mercy DVD but I was still soaked when I was done so I had to have burned a calorie or two. Now I just need to stay away from the pumpkin pie!

A Missed Run and A Slow Run

Yesterday morning we got awaken at 6:00 by my son yelling “Santa Came!!!!”. We all got up and checked out all the goodies Santa brought. Then we ripped open all the other packages under the tree.
I was going to run but it started raining really hard. I held off on my shower and getting dressed hoping that the rain would stop. Then it was time to get everything cooked, and then eat. I never got a run in. Heck, I never got out of my jammies.

It was a great Christmas.

This morning I got up at 6:15. It was cold and misty out. I ran a VERY SLOW 6 miles. The wind picked up on the second half of the run. I felt like it has been months since I ran not just 48 hours. The 6 miles took 59:43, 9:57 pace. My average heart rate was 150, wasn’t really pushing myself. Oh well, at least I burned a few calories. Good thing too, since I had pumpkin pie for breakfast.

Merry Christmas

The reindeer food has been put out in the yard and cookies for Santa are on a plate. The kids are hoping that despite their fighting Santa will stop by our house. I am not so sure that he will.

Hope everyone has a Wonderful Christmas!!!

I got up this morning, after hitting snooze once, and ran 6 miles. It was dark so I stuck to the short loops. Boring!!! It was cold and I ran slow, 57:39 (9:36 pace). Now I can justify eating all that food tomorrow.

Phil, I wanted to tell you thanks for your advice. The reason I don’t have many 5K’s on my schedule is because there is only one 5K done locally, Old Timer’s Day. So to run a 5K I have to drive to Nashville, it is really hard for me to justify driving an hour each way just to run 3.1 miles.

Class and More Recovery Running

Friday the plan was to get up and run 6 miles then go to Joyce’s cardio/toning class. The dog woke me up at 6:28, two minutes before my alarm was set to go off. When I let the dog out, I saw it was raining. I am not “in training” right now so I don’t have to run in the rain. I got back in bed. I did make it to the cardio/toning class. It was a good class but I was surprise how much easier the cardio segments were for me. It has been about 18 months (and two marathons) since I have done this class.
This morning I got up at 8:00 (slept in after Ronnie’s Christmas party last night). It was nice to run in the sunshine. I ran the 6 mile route in 57:11, 9:31 pace. I just can’t seem to make myself run any faster these days. I am going to milk this “recovery” for all it is worth.
I have my alarm set for 5:30 tomorrow and plan to get up and run 6 miles before church tomorrow.

Merry Christmas!!

Planning

Due to extreme coughing, I did not work out today.

So I am in bed with my laptop and calendar planning 2007.

If it doesn’t get too cold I am thinking about a 10 miler on February 3rd and a half marathon on February 17th. This year it snowed for the half. If it is snowing, I will be at home in bed.

In March there is the Tom king half marathon on the 17th.

April is the Country Music half marathon. I don’t think I am running it. The kids might do the kids race on Friday and Ronnie the half on Saturday. It is just too much trouble getting child care.

May 5th is the “I Run for the Party” 5k and the 20th is the Memphis in May Olympic distance tri.

In June there is the Mach Tenn Sprint Distance Tri on the 2nd, the R/C Cola Moon Pie 10 miler on the 16th,, and the McMinnville Sprint Tri on the 23rd.

July offers the Waterfront Oly Tri that I don’t know if I will make and the Cedars sprint Distance that was my first ever Tri in 05 so I HAVE to make it.

August 4th is a Du and the 19th an oly. If they don’t change old timers Day there will be a 5k at the end of August.

September is up in the air. There is the music City Oly on the 16th. In 06 that was the same weekend as the MS FedEx Rock ‘n Roll Ride from Graceland to Tunica and back. I loved the Music city race but think I want to try the MS ride in 07. To make things even more complex, the Atomic man half iron is the 16th. If I am going to attempt a half iron in 07, it is going to be the closest.

I guess I will attempt to break 4 hours in Memphis at the St. Jude marathon in December, unless I can find a more appealing marathon.

I know other things will pop up and some of these just won’t happen but I have them on the calendar for now.

It is Back

My kids decided to give me back my cough for my birthday. I am hacking away again. Thanks guys.

Yesterday I did nothing that could even be called cross training. Ate more cake, then took the kids out to eat, and the movies. (Ronnie was having poker at our house so we had to be gone).

This morning I got up at 4:45 for my 6 mile run. This is the first run in a long time that I just wanted to quit. I passed my house at around two and a half miles. If it had been three I would have stopped. I trudged on. It was very slow. I don’t have my Garmin handy but I think it was 59 minutes and change.

When I got home I took some MucinexD for this cough and climbed back in bed.

I called my boss and told him I would be late. My daughter has the cough too and I wanted her to get as much sleep as possible.

I made it to work at 9:30 and sitting in my chair was a tin of Christie Cookies.

Bob, I checked that tracking number and the box of will power has been delivered, just not to me. Someone else is enjoying a much healthier Christmas season while I ate 5 cookies this morning!!!!!!

Good Intentions

I started the day off with great intentions. I got up at 4:45. It was dark so I had to stick to the small loops. But I ran, 6 miles in 56:17, 9:22 pace.
For breakfast, I had a whole wheat bagel, toasted but plain.
For lunch, my boss took us all out for Christmas. I ordered a salad with grilled chicken and skipped the rolls (that’s HUGE for me).
We got back to the office and they had chocolate cake for me for my birthday (which they insist is tomorrow, even though I celebrated it back in May*). Everyone was too full from lunch so we just put it in the fridge.
Hey this will power thing isn’t so hard.
Then... the cad tech’s mom showed up with another batch of Oreo balls. I ate 3. This same cad tech also gave me a bottle of wine for Christmas, which I have uncorked and am enjoying right now.
Bob can you overnight that box of will power, I am desperate!!!

*I have searched high and low for the post where I explained why I celebrated my birthday back in May but I can NOT find it.
I did the GJCC Triathlon May 29th and per the “age up” rule; they wrote a 38 on my leg. I figured since they considered me 38 I might as well have my birthday. It was great, I got to sit by the pool and enjoy a few cold beverages. No one else bought into this summer birthday thing, just me and the USAT. So now here it Dec and everyone thinks it is my birthday but I refuse to celebrate. Come May and the first triathlon of the season, they will write a 39 on my leg and then I will celebrate again.

All I Need for Christmas…

is some will power. I just can’t seem to say no to all the chocolate and junk food everywhere. My diet has been horrible lately. At least I have squeezed in a few runs.

Friday morning I got up at 4:45 and ran 3 loops around my neighborhood and 2 around Amberwood. It was cold and boring. 6 miles in 58:08, 9:41 pace.

Then the kids had to go to school for a whole 30 minutes. They each had a gift exchange in their classrooms and then gave their teachers their gifts. I took the kids to Cracker Barrel for breakfast after that. Bacon, eggs, and grits. The calories are just adding up.

Friday night was my son’s birthday party. Pizza, chips, cake, and lazer tag, oh my!

Saturday we had cheerleading pictures at 9:15 and a game at 10:00. My dad called while were cheering and said he was coming down for a visit. That meant rest day for me.

We had a great visit with my dad. It was about 70 degrees out so we got to play outside. I wish December could stay this warm. My dad gave the kids some money for Christmas. It was burning a hole in their pockets so we had to go to Wal-mart where they each picked out a toy.

Then we went to the Mexican restaurant where I had margaritas and chip. Another bad diet choice.

I got up at 6:15 this morning to run before Ronnie left for the golf course. Since it was light, I got to run my 6 mile route instead of just circles in my neighborhood. It took 55:22, 9:13 pace.

This week I am going to work harder on my diet. I am not off to a very good start since I have had left over birthday cake for breakfast and lunch.

Eight Quick Ones

That would be years not miles. Today is my son’s birthday.
He got out of bed and woke my husband up to tell him “It’s my birthday!”. Then came running into the bathroom where I was drying my hair to yell “It’s today”. When I asked him if he felt older, he said that he felt taller.



So Happy Birthday to my Big Guy!!!



On the running front, it didn’t happen this morning. The stupid dog woke me up at 4:20 to go out. Putting her out, I realized that it was cold. I didn’t want to run in the cold this morning. December is suppose to be my recovery month, my relax and decide where I am going month. Therefore, I reset the alarm clock and got back in bed.

Running in Circles

This morning I got up at 4:40 so that I could be at the Rec Center when they opened at 5. Have I mentioned how much I HATE running inside??? I did 3 miles on the little 1/12 of a mile track. I ran the 3 miles in 27:41:58. There is this one guy who insists on walking very slowly in the outside lane. It becomes a real hassle when he gets next to other walkers and they are stretched 3 or 4 wide across the track. I am sticking to outside running.
After my 3 miles I went downstairs to toning class. (Toning class is an hour long class where we do light hand weights with high reps. Sometimes we also use medicine balls and bands. The goal is overall toning). It was a good class and we did lots of abs too. There were some new people in class this morning so she took it a little easier on us, don’t want to scare off the fresh meat right away.

Explanation

Sorry Bob, this is a trainer
and it sure beats riding out in the cold. Plus I don't have to hire a babysitter. It will have itself paid for in no time.

No Mercy

I had every intention of getting on my trainer Sunday, but just never made the time. So Sunday turned into a rest day.
Yesterday I got up at 4:45 and ran 6 miles in 58:13, 9:42 pace. It was cold and dark. I saw another shooting star when I first started running and the first thing that popped into my head was “let me make it through this run”. What a waste of a wish.
I slept in this morning. So I got on my trainer this afternoon and did the full 2 hours of my ‘No Mercy” DVD. It was tough. I was soaked by the time I was done. I sure hope this trainer helps make me a better cyclist.

Congrats to David on a PR at the Rocket City Marathon Saturday and to Lana for her PR at the Vegas Marathon Sunday. You both rock!

Lana, I am giving you 2 weeks to rest and recovery, and then I am going to start pushing Gulf Coast. :) You know you want to go!!!!!

Still in Recovery

Yesterday I put together my trainer (my anniversary present from my wonderful husband). Our anniversary is actually today (12 years) and the trainer was suppose to be for Christmas, but what was he going to say once I already had it set up and in use when he got home last night?!? I also opened another present, an indoor cycling training DVD. I did an hour of it. It was tough. I loved every minute of it. The DVD is actual 120 minutes but I only had time for one hour before I had to get cleaned up again for Bunko. I will not be doing any more rides in the cold, it is not worth it!

Today we had to cheer for basketball at 9:00. Last week was actually their first game but I missed it due to the race. The girls did so good and where so cute, I am so proud.

When we got home, I ran my normal 6 mile route in 55:42, 9:17 pace. I was amazed how great I felt.

Recovery Run

Yesterday Dawn’s friend JT called me to see how I was feeling and see when the next marathon would be. He is hooked!! I love it. I told him I don’t have a marathon planned, just some halfs. He tried to talk me into Little Rock or New Orleans. Sorry JT, you will have to do those without me.

This morning I got up at 5:00. It was in the mid 20’s. Brrrrr!!! I bundled up and headed out for a slow, short run. I did 4 miles in 40:24, 10:07 pace. I felt GREAT!!! No pains, no aches just slow running. :)

I am going to get my trainer out of the box tonight or tomorrow. It has gotten colder all day, we even got some flurries. No way am I riding outside!!!!

Good luck to David at the Huntsville Marathon Saturday, Lance at the White Rock Marathon on Sunday, and to Lana at the Vegas marathon on Sunday. Lana is going for sub-4. I know she is going to do it and can’t wait for her results. Wish I was going to Vegas with you girl!!!

Also, Congrats to Jen on her BQ at the California Marathon Sunday and to Marathon Marita for her finish despite calf cramping. You girls rock!!!! (Sorry it has taken me so long to post congratulation.)

Moving On

Last night I spent a LOT of time on the computer looking for a half iron that is later in the year that I could still drive to. I found nothing. Well, I found two but both of them said they were extremely challenging. Isn’t a half iron challenging enough???
Anyway, looks like if I go that route it will have to be the Gulf Coast Tri May 12th. I still have some time to decide.
In the mean time I am going to focus on my diet. I was doing so good but have found myself eating more and more junk. I think to myself “I am going to run 20 miles tomorrow, it is ok it I eat these tootsies rolls.” Or “I just ran 15 miles, I deserve to eat this bag of cookies”. Time to end that line of thinking.

This morning I got up at 5:20 and got the Rec Center before the pool was open. The lifeguard let me in at about 5:45. I sat on the edge for a minute and then just made the plunge. Oops, forgot my goggles. Had to get out and get them. Brrrr.
Back in the water. I swam 1750 yards in 38 something. I just keep getting slower and slower, soon I am just going to sink to the bottom.
I wasn’t really pushing myself this morning; it was all about just doing something.

All the soreness from the marathon is gone. I can walk up and down stairs like a normal person. I am over my pity party and moving on to 2007.

Lost

I am feeling a little lost right now. I know it is the post marathon blues made even bluer by a missed goal.
I am eager to get back out there and train. I thought about a swim tomorrow but don’t want to listen to my husband preach so I will give it another day and maybe swim on Wednesday.
I have been looking at races today; I can’t run so might as well plan. I just can’t decide on what I want to do in 2007. Do I want to go long (half iron) or do I want to work on my speed and set a goal for the Olympic distance? Right now I am not feeling fast or enduring.
Speaking of which, what was up with my heart rate Saturday?? Lana and I had already discussed how high it was and then Lance commented on it. I didn’t feel like I was working that hard. Matter of fact at the end I threw in the towel. Once I saw 4 hours out of reach I gave up. Why kill myself for 4:01? All or nothing for me.
Ok back to 2007 goals…
Team magic is offering a discount for each race that you sign up for by Dec 31st. I don’t even want to know what I spent in 2006 on entry fees so any discount I can get I need to take advantage of, but it is not a savings if you don’t do the race. So I really need to determine my goals.
I don’t even know if a half iron is within reach. The one I am looking at is the Gulf Coast Triathlon May 12th. Can I get ready and finish it with a respectable time?
Also, this past season I raced a LOT. I really enjoyed it. I LOVED having an “event” almost every weekend, but did that hurt me? Should I just pick a few events and really focus on those? That being said, I also did really well. I placed in my age group in just about all the short distance events. I came no where close in the longer events.
Lost! What’s next? Where do I want to go???

Thanks, Splits and Pics

First off I want to say how great of a race the Memphis St. Jude marathon was. It was very well organized and there were tons of wonderful volunteers out there. They had water and Gatorade at EVERY mile and Gu at miles 7 and 15.
Despite the cold, there were tons of people out cheering on the runners.
The police did a great job keeping the runners safe. I even had one jump in front of a moving car to keep the little old lady from running me over. The Memphis drivers were not the most patient people I have ever seen.

Next, I want to say how great my friends and family are.
Dawn, there is so much to say about her. She is NOT a runner yet she signed up for and ran the Grizzly 5k. She took Friday off of work to go downtown with me and get our packets. She went shopping for some cold gear tights for me, that proved to be the perfect running pants. She opened her home to me. She ran sick. She waited around in the cold for HOURS to watch me finish.
Chris has never run more then a 4 mile race, yet he volunteered to run with me those critical final miles when I knew I would need the most push. Just knowing that he would be at mile 22 kept me moving and on pace.
Angie and Mark found babysitters for all 3 of their kids and came all the way downtown to watch me finish and bring me beer! Then they got Angie’s sister to keep the kids that night so that they could come out to diner with me.
Ellen and Paul met me for breakfast this morning.
Lana has pushed me to train harder. She has run long runs with me and made me run intervals faster then I thought I ever could. She also understood my disappointment. While everyone else was telling me I should be happy with a 21 minute improvement, she knew how I felt.
My husband puts up with me getting up before 5 every morning to train. He supports me in every way. He even had the house clean when I got home.
My kids ran up to me as soon as I walked into the door to tell me how much they missed me and how much they love me. They were totally impressed with my medal.
Everyone who has left me advice, encouragement, or comments on my blog.

Now some data and pics from marathon weekend.
Splits from my Garmin:



Dawn’s son, Dawn, me and JT pre-race




Me post race with my medal and refreshment



Angie and Mark

Memphis St. Jude Marathon Race Report

This morning Dawn’s son started hollering down the hall at 5:00, “Is it time to get up?” To say he was exited doesn’t even come close to how he was feeling.
We all got up at 5:30 and got ready to go. JT, a friend of Dawn’s, who was running his first marathon, showed up right on time at 6:15. We headed out in the COLD (29 degrees). By the time we got to downtown it was up to 31. We parked in the parking garage right next to AutoZone Park and walked over. We found the bathrooms then a warm room to stand in. Dawn’s 5k started at 7:45 a few block away so she checked her bag and walked to her start. Her son, JT and I stayed in the warmth a little while longer. Finally we decided we better get to the start. I got my bag checked and we walked the 2 or 3 blocks to the start.
We got there too early and I froze waiting for the race to start. Finally the start gun fired and the first runners were off. It was a wave start so it took 3 minutes+ for it to be my turn.
I saw an old boss at the first water stop at mile one and then another old boss at a turn at mile 4. My fingers were finally thawed and getting warm so I took off my gloves.
I felt fine and was right on pace for a 4-hour finish.
Chris was right where he said he was going to be at mile 22 and he jumped out with me. That was a perfect because I wasn’t feeling so great anymore. I was still right on pace.
I fell apart at mile 24. I had to walk and was losing ground.
By the 25-mile marker I knew I wasn’t going to make my 4-hour goal.
Chris ran/walked with me until mile marker 26. He told me “No more walking, you have it now.” I make the turn and headed into AutoZone Park. I had to kick to give and was just happy to see the finish. I crossed the line in 4:04:23. I was VERY disappointed.
I got my foil blanket, medal (which is very nice), and a bottle of water. I had the chip removed and then saw Dawn and her son. I couldn’t hold in the disappointment and cried, “I didn’t make it.”
Chris found us in the stands and then my friends Mark and Angie called and found us too. Angie had beer in her backpack. Man I love that girl.
We drank some beers and celebrated everyone else’s victories. Dawn ran the entire 5K in 39 minutes. You are awesome girl. Thanks for being there for me. Love you too. Dawn’s 11-year-old son, who has never run more then 5 miles, finished the half marathon in 2:26. What and accomplishment!!!
After a few beers we headed over to Peabody Place for the party. We drank a few more beers and waited on JT to call. He had finished in about 5:10 and went to the locker rooms to shower. When he got there we finished up our appetizers and headed home. I took and ice bath and tried to nap but was just too cold. I gave up and took a hot shower.
Now we are going to meet friends for Mexican.

Please don’t tell me how 21 minutes is a great improvement. I have heard it and I am really trying to be happy but right now I just want to wallow in my disappointment.

Thanks to everyone for your encourage, advice, and well wishes.

Ready to Run

Well, I am in Memphis. Picked up my race packet, a new shirt, and some blue sports beans. Ate some pasta and am getting ready for bed.

Weather forecast isn't looking too bad for tomorrow. It is still going to be colder then it has been but at least we should be dry!