This morning Kim and I met at my house to run. Arland decided to sleep in, his calf/achilles is still bothering him. I thought Jane was coming too, we waited for a little while and then started off.
It was pretty chilly this morning, low 40's. I decided to wear capri tights, and a short sleeve tech shirt and a long sleeve tech shirt. I thought the long sleeve shirt would come off sometime during the run and although I did warm up quite a bit I was never too hot. Gloves and a running hat finished off the ensemble. I wore the hat so I could attach a light to it, I also had a blinky light on the back of my shirt. Kim had on a reflective belt and her shoes had a lot of reflective stuff. I thought we would be pretty visible to any cars that might be out that early. We used to walk a bit before running to warm up, but it was too cold for walking so we started running almost immediately. We had just left my neighborhood when all of a sudden I got a really strange feeling in my left hip/upperthigh area it kind of just gave out on me and I found my self reaching for Kim's arm for support. It was just for a split second, but it really threw me off. We kept on running... Kim was filling me in on stuff going on with her. One of the great things about running with Kim is that alhtough she is a faster runner she doesn't mind running my pace, and since she is running slower than normal for her she can talk. It really helps pass the time. We were running our normal route with just one small change, and as we were running near the high school we had our first or maybe for me second mishap.
A trash truck was coming out of a side street, across from us, it appeared that he was going to turn onto the main road but instead he was coming straight across the road straight for us. YIKES.... luckily he did see us and stopped. We still kept on running, so far nothing had made us stop. We had to slow down at a couple of intersections oh and the train, that slowed us down, but we kept running or at least jogging in place until it passed. Soon we were back on 1st street which leads straight to my neighbrhood. We had about 1.5 miles left. My left hip/rear was bothering me a little bit but not enough to stop or have to walk. As we were getting furthur down 1st street I was pretty excited I knew we were going to get our 5 miles and we were going to do it with no walk breaks.
We were about 2 blocks from my neighborhood and that section of the road didn't have a shoulder just a ditch, I see a large SUV coming towards us, but I know we are pretty well illuminated so I wasn't too worried... I should have been! He/she kept coming towards us and I kept thinking surely they are going to move over, I glanced down to see what options I had, just for a split second and the next thing you know the SUV is right on top of us forcing us down into the ditch. OH it was ON... I was so mad,I started yelling at the SUV ASSHOLE!!!! the next thing you know I'm running down the street yelling Mother F***kr... A-HOle. I just couldn't stop screaming. Of course now I'm really embarassed but at the time I was out of control!!! Of course once the SUV was gone if anyone had been outside or looking out their window or door all they would have seen was some crazy woman running down the middle of the street shouting obsenities. People think we are crazy as it is so I can imagine that wouldn't have improved our image!
I had planned to finish the run with some strides but after the near miss with the SUV I was just happy to be able to finish.
Even with all our scary experiences we ended up with a good run.
5.01 miles
52:18
10:25 avg pace
Avg heart rate 156
Max heart rate 166.. I thought it would have been higher.
1- 10:13
2- 10:27
3- 10:28
4- 10:37
5- 10:24
Not bad considering I had spinning class yesterday morning and speed work last night, and we were almost killed not once but twice!
I felt comfortable the whole run, other than once or twice on a couple of inclines I never felt like I was pushing it.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Spinning & Flying
Tuesday is always a great workout day for me, I start at 5:00am with an hour spinning class and then end at 6pm with our Tuesday Flyers running clinic.
Kim and I are usually the only two in spinning class.. I know someplaces wouldn't keep having class for just two people so we are lucky to have Stacy. The last 5 minutes of class we do Ab's, so not only do I get a great cardio workout I also get a great ab workout.
The Tuesday night Flyers group is growing, we had a couple new people last night and Cheryl was back... YAY Cheryl. Dennis had a meeting last night so he gave us our work out and then he had to leave... bummer!
We have three groups, beginners, intermediate and advanced. Arland, Cheryl, Kelly, Sonia, Jen and I are in the intermediate group. Our workout last night after the .7 mile warm up was 4 strides and then one 800 with three minues rest, one 1,000 with three minutes rest and then another 800 finishing off with 4 strides. 800's and 1,000 were to be done at our Lactate Threshold pace.
It was really chilly last night and I was anxious to get started just to warm up, oh and I also needed to use the bathroom, Andrea's house near where we do our workouts so she told me I could use their restroom. Well it was so cold I didn't think I was going to make it!! The cold does that to me, I remember when I was in the restaurant business, anytime I had to go into the big walk in coolers or freezers I would immediately have to go pee.
After our little break Cheryl and I caught up with the group and started our workout. We ended up doing 1 800 and 2 1,000's. While we were running I told Cheryl I had a Turkey Freschetta sandwich from Wendy's, when she told me she had looked them up before and they are really high in calories I was bummed so I said let's do 1,000 instead of 800. I told her she was being punished because of my poor food choices.
During the strides Cheryl decided she wanted to show me up, and damn that girl can run fast when she wants to!! At one point me, Cheryl, Sonia and Jen were racing each other. Or maybe I was just racing them, all I knew was that when I heard those footsteps coming I knew I couldn't let them pass me. Sprinting is NOT my strenghth, I really do much better starting off slow and then graudually building speed, but it was fun "racing" them last night.
After the workout we came home had an Amy's organic spinach and tomato pizza and watched the Marathon Challenge on PBS.
Kim and I are usually the only two in spinning class.. I know someplaces wouldn't keep having class for just two people so we are lucky to have Stacy. The last 5 minutes of class we do Ab's, so not only do I get a great cardio workout I also get a great ab workout.
The Tuesday night Flyers group is growing, we had a couple new people last night and Cheryl was back... YAY Cheryl. Dennis had a meeting last night so he gave us our work out and then he had to leave... bummer!
We have three groups, beginners, intermediate and advanced. Arland, Cheryl, Kelly, Sonia, Jen and I are in the intermediate group. Our workout last night after the .7 mile warm up was 4 strides and then one 800 with three minues rest, one 1,000 with three minutes rest and then another 800 finishing off with 4 strides. 800's and 1,000 were to be done at our Lactate Threshold pace.
It was really chilly last night and I was anxious to get started just to warm up, oh and I also needed to use the bathroom, Andrea's house near where we do our workouts so she told me I could use their restroom. Well it was so cold I didn't think I was going to make it!! The cold does that to me, I remember when I was in the restaurant business, anytime I had to go into the big walk in coolers or freezers I would immediately have to go pee.
After our little break Cheryl and I caught up with the group and started our workout. We ended up doing 1 800 and 2 1,000's. While we were running I told Cheryl I had a Turkey Freschetta sandwich from Wendy's, when she told me she had looked them up before and they are really high in calories I was bummed so I said let's do 1,000 instead of 800. I told her she was being punished because of my poor food choices.
During the strides Cheryl decided she wanted to show me up, and damn that girl can run fast when she wants to!! At one point me, Cheryl, Sonia and Jen were racing each other. Or maybe I was just racing them, all I knew was that when I heard those footsteps coming I knew I couldn't let them pass me. Sprinting is NOT my strenghth, I really do much better starting off slow and then graudually building speed, but it was fun "racing" them last night.
After the workout we came home had an Amy's organic spinach and tomato pizza and watched the Marathon Challenge on PBS.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Part 2 of Sunday on the River Trail
After the 12 mile run Michele and I became Arland and Jane's support crew. I did this a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. It was even more fun this time having Michele with me.
We sent Jane and Arland on while we said good-bye to Heather and had some snacks. I didn't want them to stop too long and get stiff and not want to finish. I know that feeling all too well!!
After saying good bye to Heather,Michele and I got on our bikes and started off, OUCH it was freezing, neither one of us had anything warm on our heads. Michele had been running with an earband on but she took it off after the run. We hadn't gotten too far and I knew we would be miserable if we didn't do something about keeping our ears warm. We turned around and Michele put on her earband and some sunglasses... I looked everywhere but I didnt' have anything. I was wearing a jacket that had a hood so I just put the hood on over my running hat and hoped it would stay up.
I really wish I would have thought to take pictures of us... Michele looked like one of the cops on Reno 911 and as I would find out later I looked like the Unabomber.
Michele and I soon caught up with Arland and Jane, but not before we were just completely cracking up at ourselves... Michele hasn't ridden her bike in years and her gears were a little rusty, and me if I try to turn my head I run off the side of the road. Needless to say we probably looked ridiclous!!!
Arland and Jane seemed happy to see us, our "crew" duties mostly consisted of keeping them entertained and carrying anything they didn't have room for or didn't want anymore.
I filled up my water bottles with acclerade and would remind them to drink every now and then.
Arland and Jane didnt' want to go back to the bridge so decided to run around the soccer fields at Burns Park which is across from the River Trail. Well normally there isn't much traffic on Sunday mornings, but this Sunday was a big Soccer tournament, so Michele and I novice bike riders that we are had to dodge a lot of cars. No offense to anyone, but here in Arkansas I have noticed that "Soccer parents" are not always the best drivers. I don't know if it's because they are always late trying to get all the kids ready or what but they always seem to drive really fast and they don't pay attention to other cars or people on bikes, or foot. We have a soccer Softball field not far from our house and I see this every weekend. Well It was the same in Burns Park so Michele and i were lucky to esape unharmed. I was sooo happy to get back on the River Trail and only have to dodge other bikers and runners!
Part of my job as support crew also is to keep Jane out of the other biker's path. Last time she was nearly taken out by a female biker... she looked nice enough decked out in pink, but she had a heart of steel because although it was obvious Jane was delirious she aimed right for her. Ok maybe that wasnt' exactly how it happend, but Jane did almost get taken out by the "pink biker chick" and after that incident it became my mission to protect her from herself. Turns out this week I also had to protect Michele!! LOL They have a bad habit of running, or riding in the middle of the trail and not moving over when bikes are coming in the opposite direction. I was constantly having to remind them in a firm yet loving voice to MOVE OVER!!!
Of course they were calling me mean etc.
While we were still at the soccer fields we stopped at the restroom, it was then that I realized what I looked like. I came out of the tbe bathroom and said to the group thanks a lot for telling me I look like the Unabomber!! If I would have traded sunglasses with Michele it would have really looked like him!
For me and Michele the time really flew by on the bikes... not so much for Jane and Arland but before I knew it they were on the home stretch. Arland's calf started cramping up around mile 12 but by mile 18 it was getting worse and at one point the pain just stopped him in his tracks. I didnt' know this at the time as I was chatting with Jane. Michele was back with Arland and I was with Jane, a little bit later Michele joined us...she said she was worried she was driving him nuts with her chatter. He told me later she really helped him not think of the pain. Michele and I escorted Jane back to the Skate Park and then turned back for Arland.
I'm so proud of both them, they both finished strong, even Arland with his calf pain.
We had a little tail gate party with fruit and Almond thins with humus.
I wish I could remember all the funny things Michele said during our ride, that girl is seriously funny!! Most people probably don't know that about her because she is usually pretty quiet but once you get to know her she is a riot!!!!
It was great morning of running & riding and now Jane and Arland are ready for Tulsa!!!
Jane & Arland celebrating the completion of their 20 miler
Arland taking a spin on my bike after finishing his run.
Me Jane and Michele
We sent Jane and Arland on while we said good-bye to Heather and had some snacks. I didn't want them to stop too long and get stiff and not want to finish. I know that feeling all too well!!
After saying good bye to Heather,Michele and I got on our bikes and started off, OUCH it was freezing, neither one of us had anything warm on our heads. Michele had been running with an earband on but she took it off after the run. We hadn't gotten too far and I knew we would be miserable if we didn't do something about keeping our ears warm. We turned around and Michele put on her earband and some sunglasses... I looked everywhere but I didnt' have anything. I was wearing a jacket that had a hood so I just put the hood on over my running hat and hoped it would stay up.
I really wish I would have thought to take pictures of us... Michele looked like one of the cops on Reno 911 and as I would find out later I looked like the Unabomber.
Michele and I soon caught up with Arland and Jane, but not before we were just completely cracking up at ourselves... Michele hasn't ridden her bike in years and her gears were a little rusty, and me if I try to turn my head I run off the side of the road. Needless to say we probably looked ridiclous!!!
Arland and Jane seemed happy to see us, our "crew" duties mostly consisted of keeping them entertained and carrying anything they didn't have room for or didn't want anymore.
I filled up my water bottles with acclerade and would remind them to drink every now and then.
Arland and Jane didnt' want to go back to the bridge so decided to run around the soccer fields at Burns Park which is across from the River Trail. Well normally there isn't much traffic on Sunday mornings, but this Sunday was a big Soccer tournament, so Michele and I novice bike riders that we are had to dodge a lot of cars. No offense to anyone, but here in Arkansas I have noticed that "Soccer parents" are not always the best drivers. I don't know if it's because they are always late trying to get all the kids ready or what but they always seem to drive really fast and they don't pay attention to other cars or people on bikes, or foot. We have a soccer Softball field not far from our house and I see this every weekend. Well It was the same in Burns Park so Michele and i were lucky to esape unharmed. I was sooo happy to get back on the River Trail and only have to dodge other bikers and runners!
Part of my job as support crew also is to keep Jane out of the other biker's path. Last time she was nearly taken out by a female biker... she looked nice enough decked out in pink, but she had a heart of steel because although it was obvious Jane was delirious she aimed right for her. Ok maybe that wasnt' exactly how it happend, but Jane did almost get taken out by the "pink biker chick" and after that incident it became my mission to protect her from herself. Turns out this week I also had to protect Michele!! LOL They have a bad habit of running, or riding in the middle of the trail and not moving over when bikes are coming in the opposite direction. I was constantly having to remind them in a firm yet loving voice to MOVE OVER!!!
Of course they were calling me mean etc.
While we were still at the soccer fields we stopped at the restroom, it was then that I realized what I looked like. I came out of the tbe bathroom and said to the group thanks a lot for telling me I look like the Unabomber!! If I would have traded sunglasses with Michele it would have really looked like him!
For me and Michele the time really flew by on the bikes... not so much for Jane and Arland but before I knew it they were on the home stretch. Arland's calf started cramping up around mile 12 but by mile 18 it was getting worse and at one point the pain just stopped him in his tracks. I didnt' know this at the time as I was chatting with Jane. Michele was back with Arland and I was with Jane, a little bit later Michele joined us...she said she was worried she was driving him nuts with her chatter. He told me later she really helped him not think of the pain. Michele and I escorted Jane back to the Skate Park and then turned back for Arland.
I'm so proud of both them, they both finished strong, even Arland with his calf pain.
We had a little tail gate party with fruit and Almond thins with humus.
I wish I could remember all the funny things Michele said during our ride, that girl is seriously funny!! Most people probably don't know that about her because she is usually pretty quiet but once you get to know her she is a riot!!!!
It was great morning of running & riding and now Jane and Arland are ready for Tulsa!!!
Jane & Arland celebrating the completion of their 20 miler
Arland taking a spin on my bike after finishing his run.
Me Jane and Michele
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday on the River Trail
Yesterday was Arland and Jane's last 20 miler before the Tulsa Route 66 marathon.
Orginally I didnt' have a specific mileage in mind for myself since I knew I was running 12 with Susan on Saturday. One of my friends Heather needed 12 so I told her I would do 12 with her. We ran from the skate park to Murray Park with the Big Dam Bridge in between. Michelle also came out to run with us she didn't have any mileage goals just wanted to run. Michelle is so funny, she let me know as soon as we got to the skate park she was not happy to be there!!! It was cold and dark and she wanted to be home in bed, which was a sentiment shared by us all I think.
Once we got started though she started feeling better and let me know she was glad she came.
We probably started out a little fast considering that Arland and Jane had to do 20 miles. We tried to slow it down a bit, but we were all feeling pretty good so it was hard.
Considering I had run 15 miles the day before I felt great, but that feeling wasn't going to last the whole run.
Just about a mile before the bridge we ran into Gary and Curtis... LOVE those guys!!! Curtis starting running with Arland and Jane, and Gary was running with me Heather and Michelle. He is FAST so I told him don't push us!! LOL I think he knew I was kiddding. Of course he did push us, but it wasnt' his fault we were just enjoying running with him. Once we got to the Bridge I had to make a pit stop and got left behind :( Oh well I knew that worst case scenerio I would just catch everyone on the way back and have a little shorter mileage for the day. As it turns out Michelle walked the bridge I think partly to wait on me, and partly becasue the bridge has done a number on her IT band before and she didn't want to chance it. I was able to catch up to her at the bottom of the bridge. I am proud to say that after all those hills on Saturday I did run the entire way up the bridge and over.
Once I caught up with Michelle it didn't take us long to catch up with the others and when we got to Murray park we all took a walk break. Michelle needed to use the restroom so Gary, Curtis, Heather and I walked a loop around the restrooms. We regrouped and all ran to the bridge together, but by now fatigue was starting to set in and I gave myself permission to walk up the bridge. I did manage a few jogs but mostly walked. Once again I was alone!!! Michele was feeling good and she powered up the bridge and I think she might have even ran down it, it's the downhills that bother her the most.
When I got to the bottom everyone had stopped for a break, I think maybe some needed to use the port-a-potties. Gary and Curtis had done hill repeats on their bikes before they met up with us for the run and they were just about done. We stopped to take pictures.
Gary and Curtis walked with us for a bit and once we started running again they said good-bye. Did I already say I LOVE those guys??? well I do.
We also met up with Marianne she was on her bike and she rode beside the others while they went up the bridge. I didnt' really get to talk to her much since I was always behind at that point. She's the one on the bike in the pictures. Marianne has done Ironman KY. and Ironman FL. she really is an inspiration!!
So we said our good byes and headed back to the skate park... The 15 miles from the day before and the Bridge were starting to take there toll. I was really starting to lose steam. I managed to hold it together until about mile 10 and then as the splits will show I just gave up!! I even told Michele don't worry about me I am going to just walk/run as much as I can for the rest. Heather went on, but Michele stayed with me, she said she was really only had wanted 8 miles so she was fine.
So I ended up with
12 miles
2:18:44
11:34 avg pace
1- 10:35
2- 11:07
3- 10:38
4- 10:15 (hooked up with Gary)
5- 11:28 bridge potty break
6- 10:27
7- 12:41 Long walk at Murray park
8- 14:34 Bridge and stopping to take pictures
9- 11:18
10- 11:07
11- 12:25
12- 12:03
Miles 7 and 8 look slow, but really I think I was still running at a good pace we just had some breaks in there. Miles 11 and 12 are where I really slowed down.
After the run we had a little snack and said our good byes to Heather and then Michele and I got our bikes out and started our crewing duties.
To Be continuted.........
Orginally I didnt' have a specific mileage in mind for myself since I knew I was running 12 with Susan on Saturday. One of my friends Heather needed 12 so I told her I would do 12 with her. We ran from the skate park to Murray Park with the Big Dam Bridge in between. Michelle also came out to run with us she didn't have any mileage goals just wanted to run. Michelle is so funny, she let me know as soon as we got to the skate park she was not happy to be there!!! It was cold and dark and she wanted to be home in bed, which was a sentiment shared by us all I think.
Once we got started though she started feeling better and let me know she was glad she came.
We probably started out a little fast considering that Arland and Jane had to do 20 miles. We tried to slow it down a bit, but we were all feeling pretty good so it was hard.
Considering I had run 15 miles the day before I felt great, but that feeling wasn't going to last the whole run.
Just about a mile before the bridge we ran into Gary and Curtis... LOVE those guys!!! Curtis starting running with Arland and Jane, and Gary was running with me Heather and Michelle. He is FAST so I told him don't push us!! LOL I think he knew I was kiddding. Of course he did push us, but it wasnt' his fault we were just enjoying running with him. Once we got to the Bridge I had to make a pit stop and got left behind :( Oh well I knew that worst case scenerio I would just catch everyone on the way back and have a little shorter mileage for the day. As it turns out Michelle walked the bridge I think partly to wait on me, and partly becasue the bridge has done a number on her IT band before and she didn't want to chance it. I was able to catch up to her at the bottom of the bridge. I am proud to say that after all those hills on Saturday I did run the entire way up the bridge and over.
Once I caught up with Michelle it didn't take us long to catch up with the others and when we got to Murray park we all took a walk break. Michelle needed to use the restroom so Gary, Curtis, Heather and I walked a loop around the restrooms. We regrouped and all ran to the bridge together, but by now fatigue was starting to set in and I gave myself permission to walk up the bridge. I did manage a few jogs but mostly walked. Once again I was alone!!! Michele was feeling good and she powered up the bridge and I think she might have even ran down it, it's the downhills that bother her the most.
When I got to the bottom everyone had stopped for a break, I think maybe some needed to use the port-a-potties. Gary and Curtis had done hill repeats on their bikes before they met up with us for the run and they were just about done. We stopped to take pictures.
Gary and Curtis walked with us for a bit and once we started running again they said good-bye. Did I already say I LOVE those guys??? well I do.
We also met up with Marianne she was on her bike and she rode beside the others while they went up the bridge. I didnt' really get to talk to her much since I was always behind at that point. She's the one on the bike in the pictures. Marianne has done Ironman KY. and Ironman FL. she really is an inspiration!!
So we said our good byes and headed back to the skate park... The 15 miles from the day before and the Bridge were starting to take there toll. I was really starting to lose steam. I managed to hold it together until about mile 10 and then as the splits will show I just gave up!! I even told Michele don't worry about me I am going to just walk/run as much as I can for the rest. Heather went on, but Michele stayed with me, she said she was really only had wanted 8 miles so she was fine.
So I ended up with
12 miles
2:18:44
11:34 avg pace
1- 10:35
2- 11:07
3- 10:38
4- 10:15 (hooked up with Gary)
5- 11:28 bridge potty break
6- 10:27
7- 12:41 Long walk at Murray park
8- 14:34 Bridge and stopping to take pictures
9- 11:18
10- 11:07
11- 12:25
12- 12:03
Miles 7 and 8 look slow, but really I think I was still running at a good pace we just had some breaks in there. Miles 11 and 12 are where I really slowed down.
After the run we had a little snack and said our good byes to Heather and then Michele and I got our bikes out and started our crewing duties.
To Be continuted.........
More thoughts from Saturday's run
When I composed my post about the run with Susan I was so excited to be adding pictures that I forgot some of what I wanted to say about the run.
I forgot to mention the dogs... thankfully we did not encounter any problems with animals. We did see a couple on the side of the road at one point, of course I immediately froze but Susan said don't worry I'm the dog whisperer. I guess she was right because they just stayed where they were.
A little later we were running along and I was saying how I thought this run qualifed as cross country because of all the dirt and grass were running in along the side of the road when suddenly a dog started barking and ran towards us... again I panicked but luckily the owners were right there and the dog didn't get close to us.
Another thing I wanted to mention and mabye I did, was how friendly a lot of people were along our course. We got a lot of waves and thumbs up from people, mostly older men and women, and when we were running through town in Malvern one man in his drive way called out Run girls run.. or something along those lines. It was GREAT!! Much friendlier than we usually get in Cabot. Well except that one time when we were running and a man drove by and asked if we wanted a ride!! LOL
I also wanted to mention how proud I am of Susan. She does almost all of her running alone. I can't even begin to imagine what that would be like, I am blessed with so many wonderful running partners. I honestly don't know how I would have made it through my marathon training without Brenda, Michelle, Kim, Cheryl and so many other running friends. So Big props to Susan for getting out there and getting in all of her training runs alone!!! I admire you more than you know!
Also a big shout out to Elijah... we thought of and talked about you a lot during our run!!! You were also in my thoughts on Sunday when I was starting to fatigue during the last miles of my run. You are a strong boy and if you can go through all that you have in your short life I can finish a 12 mile run!!! Thanks for the Inspiration!!!
I forgot to mention the dogs... thankfully we did not encounter any problems with animals. We did see a couple on the side of the road at one point, of course I immediately froze but Susan said don't worry I'm the dog whisperer. I guess she was right because they just stayed where they were.
A little later we were running along and I was saying how I thought this run qualifed as cross country because of all the dirt and grass were running in along the side of the road when suddenly a dog started barking and ran towards us... again I panicked but luckily the owners were right there and the dog didn't get close to us.
Another thing I wanted to mention and mabye I did, was how friendly a lot of people were along our course. We got a lot of waves and thumbs up from people, mostly older men and women, and when we were running through town in Malvern one man in his drive way called out Run girls run.. or something along those lines. It was GREAT!! Much friendlier than we usually get in Cabot. Well except that one time when we were running and a man drove by and asked if we wanted a ride!! LOL
I also wanted to mention how proud I am of Susan. She does almost all of her running alone. I can't even begin to imagine what that would be like, I am blessed with so many wonderful running partners. I honestly don't know how I would have made it through my marathon training without Brenda, Michelle, Kim, Cheryl and so many other running friends. So Big props to Susan for getting out there and getting in all of her training runs alone!!! I admire you more than you know!
Also a big shout out to Elijah... we thought of and talked about you a lot during our run!!! You were also in my thoughts on Sunday when I was starting to fatigue during the last miles of my run. You are a strong boy and if you can go through all that you have in your short life I can finish a 12 mile run!!! Thanks for the Inspiration!!!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
From Benton to Malvern
Back in September I told Susan I would to go Benton to run the last 1/2 of her 22 miler. Susan had come to the River Trail for the last 20 miler of our Chicago Marathon training I know how great it was for me to have her there that day so I was returning the favor. I recruited my friend Kelly to go along so we met in Cabot at 7:00am on Saturday to make the drive to Benton. Kelly is a member of our Tuesday Flyer's running clinic and I just love her she is such a sweetheart. Kelly is also going to Tulsa to run the 1/2 marathon and then in December she will be running the 1/2 in Memphis.
Susan had e-mailed directions the day before, and I printed them off, but forgot them. As we were approaching Benton I noticed the exit #'s were in the 120's and she had said exit 106, I started to get a little nervous Susan hadn't mentioned we were actually starting in the boonies! I had Kelly trying to find the e-mail with her directions just to be safe, but then I remembered Susan had mentioned something about Malvern in her previous e-mails. As we made the exit we noticed a truck stop, but we proceeded on to the Moose Lodge where we were to meet Susan. We were actually early so we decided to go back to the truck stop to use the facilities. As I got out of the truck I realized how I was dressed. I had put warm up capri's on over my skirt, it was kind of bunchy so I pulled the skirt part of my running skirt over the pants. Kelly and I were both laughing pretty hard at how funny I looked!
Of course we had to get a picture.
We returned to the Lodge and just a few minutes later Susan came running up. It was good to see her, and she looked strong. We put on our Garmin's and water belts, and Susan had her peanut butter sandwich and then we were off.
I knew there were going to be some hills on this run but wasn't quite prepared for how many! I don't remember exactly what I said to Susan but I made some sort of disparaging remark about the hills... LOL I HATE HILLS!!!
We hadn't been on the road for too long when I thought a bathroom break might be a good idea, it wasn't an emergency but we saw a gas station and thought we should take advantage of it while we could. I had no idea what other opportunities we might have later on. Unfortunately this gas station had a sign that said no public restrooms. We did get some nice remarks from some of the customers at the gas station, I'm not sure if they were impressed with us or just thought we were crazy but they were friendly. Of course once we realized we weren't going to be able to use the facilities I really did need to use the bathroom. There was a high school across the street and there were quite a few cars parked outside so we thought we would at least try. They were having ACT exams and there was a teacher posted at the door, I saw a moments hesitation in her eyes when we first asked if we could use the restroom, but I guess we looked pretty harmless so she let us in.
The road we were running on was pretty busy and people were FLYING!! We had to run on the shoulder a lot, which wasn't too bad, luckily it was mostly dirt and small rocks. Susan pretty much stuck to the edge of the road but Kelly and I mostly ran on the shoulder. At one point Susan had gotten a rock in her shoe so we stopped for a moment. Another photo op :O
I told Susan at the very beginning that this run was all about her and that Kelly and I were just along to support her. We let her set the pace, call walk breaks etc. In the beginning we started out a little fast but then we settled into a comfortable pace.
Susan had asked me to tell her about Chicago, the first few miles we just chit chatted about other stuff, I couldn't even tell you what we talked about, I was just trying to keep Susan's mind busy. I did tell stories from Chicago and you know how it is when you are talking one thing reminds you of something else so our conversations would go off in different directions.
Here are Susan and Kelly in front of the Brick factor.. an imortant milestone in our run.
Susan and I showing off our "Run for Elijah bands"
Once we reached Malvern we knew we were home free, I had accidently stopped my Garmin for about a 1/2 mile at 10.25. I try not to look at my Garmin too much when I'm running so it took me a little while to notice. My guess is that when I was reaching into the pouch on my hydration belt to get my phone/camera I accidentaly turned it off. I wasn't sure how long it had been off so I wasn't sure how long we had left for sure. Susan said she had a suprise for us, and just before we got to it she said let's "Pre" it until we get to that sign... so I'm thinking we are just about done and I took off and sprinted. It felt GREAT, but I was a little alarmed when I realized that wasn't the end of the run, we still had about 1.5 miles left.
The suprise was an old house being restored by the firm that Susan works for, it really was beautiful, and had some beautiful old stain glass windows. It was a nice break and helped my legs recover from the sprint.
Chasen Susan's husband had driven by a couple of times to check on us... he really is a SWEET guy!!!! He was going to meet us at the end of our run and take us back to my car and then we would follow them back to Susan's house for lunch. Towards the end of the run I tried to get far enough ahead of Susan to take a picture of her when she hit 22, but since I didn't really know exactly how much distance we had left I didn't get the picture exactly at the 22 mile but close.
Here are Susan and Kelly pretty close to the end... Susan looks great considering she was at the end of a very hilly 22-miler!
Susan has a great picture of the three of us at the end of the run that her husband Chasen took for us.
We stretched a little bit and then Chasen being the sweetheart that he is, drove over to walgreen's and bought us bottles of water.
Our after run celebration was great Susan made her wonderful potato salad and Kelly had brought fruit and cheese. Susan has a really cute house, and we fell in love with her backyard. It has a lot of privacy and you almost feel like you are out in the country. We didn't get to stay and chat as long as I would have liked, but Kelly and I had to rush off to NLR to get in another run with my friend's Cheryl and Kim.
This was going to be Cheryl's first outside run since spraining her ankle over a month ago. Lakewood is also hilly, Kelly and I were pretty fatigued and had gotten pretty stiff and sore on the drive from Benton, so we took it pretty easy and walked the hills. We didn't really get to run with Cheryl and Kim much, but it was good to see them anyway.
Here are a few more pictures from the "Susan Run"
Kelly
Susan.. Mission accomplished
Thanks Susan and Kelly for a great run!
Susan had e-mailed directions the day before, and I printed them off, but forgot them. As we were approaching Benton I noticed the exit #'s were in the 120's and she had said exit 106, I started to get a little nervous Susan hadn't mentioned we were actually starting in the boonies! I had Kelly trying to find the e-mail with her directions just to be safe, but then I remembered Susan had mentioned something about Malvern in her previous e-mails. As we made the exit we noticed a truck stop, but we proceeded on to the Moose Lodge where we were to meet Susan. We were actually early so we decided to go back to the truck stop to use the facilities. As I got out of the truck I realized how I was dressed. I had put warm up capri's on over my skirt, it was kind of bunchy so I pulled the skirt part of my running skirt over the pants. Kelly and I were both laughing pretty hard at how funny I looked!
Of course we had to get a picture.
We returned to the Lodge and just a few minutes later Susan came running up. It was good to see her, and she looked strong. We put on our Garmin's and water belts, and Susan had her peanut butter sandwich and then we were off.
I knew there were going to be some hills on this run but wasn't quite prepared for how many! I don't remember exactly what I said to Susan but I made some sort of disparaging remark about the hills... LOL I HATE HILLS!!!
We hadn't been on the road for too long when I thought a bathroom break might be a good idea, it wasn't an emergency but we saw a gas station and thought we should take advantage of it while we could. I had no idea what other opportunities we might have later on. Unfortunately this gas station had a sign that said no public restrooms. We did get some nice remarks from some of the customers at the gas station, I'm not sure if they were impressed with us or just thought we were crazy but they were friendly. Of course once we realized we weren't going to be able to use the facilities I really did need to use the bathroom. There was a high school across the street and there were quite a few cars parked outside so we thought we would at least try. They were having ACT exams and there was a teacher posted at the door, I saw a moments hesitation in her eyes when we first asked if we could use the restroom, but I guess we looked pretty harmless so she let us in.
The road we were running on was pretty busy and people were FLYING!! We had to run on the shoulder a lot, which wasn't too bad, luckily it was mostly dirt and small rocks. Susan pretty much stuck to the edge of the road but Kelly and I mostly ran on the shoulder. At one point Susan had gotten a rock in her shoe so we stopped for a moment. Another photo op :O
I told Susan at the very beginning that this run was all about her and that Kelly and I were just along to support her. We let her set the pace, call walk breaks etc. In the beginning we started out a little fast but then we settled into a comfortable pace.
Susan had asked me to tell her about Chicago, the first few miles we just chit chatted about other stuff, I couldn't even tell you what we talked about, I was just trying to keep Susan's mind busy. I did tell stories from Chicago and you know how it is when you are talking one thing reminds you of something else so our conversations would go off in different directions.
Here are Susan and Kelly in front of the Brick factor.. an imortant milestone in our run.
Susan and I showing off our "Run for Elijah bands"
Once we reached Malvern we knew we were home free, I had accidently stopped my Garmin for about a 1/2 mile at 10.25. I try not to look at my Garmin too much when I'm running so it took me a little while to notice. My guess is that when I was reaching into the pouch on my hydration belt to get my phone/camera I accidentaly turned it off. I wasn't sure how long it had been off so I wasn't sure how long we had left for sure. Susan said she had a suprise for us, and just before we got to it she said let's "Pre" it until we get to that sign... so I'm thinking we are just about done and I took off and sprinted. It felt GREAT, but I was a little alarmed when I realized that wasn't the end of the run, we still had about 1.5 miles left.
The suprise was an old house being restored by the firm that Susan works for, it really was beautiful, and had some beautiful old stain glass windows. It was a nice break and helped my legs recover from the sprint.
Chasen Susan's husband had driven by a couple of times to check on us... he really is a SWEET guy!!!! He was going to meet us at the end of our run and take us back to my car and then we would follow them back to Susan's house for lunch. Towards the end of the run I tried to get far enough ahead of Susan to take a picture of her when she hit 22, but since I didn't really know exactly how much distance we had left I didn't get the picture exactly at the 22 mile but close.
Here are Susan and Kelly pretty close to the end... Susan looks great considering she was at the end of a very hilly 22-miler!
Susan has a great picture of the three of us at the end of the run that her husband Chasen took for us.
We stretched a little bit and then Chasen being the sweetheart that he is, drove over to walgreen's and bought us bottles of water.
Our after run celebration was great Susan made her wonderful potato salad and Kelly had brought fruit and cheese. Susan has a really cute house, and we fell in love with her backyard. It has a lot of privacy and you almost feel like you are out in the country. We didn't get to stay and chat as long as I would have liked, but Kelly and I had to rush off to NLR to get in another run with my friend's Cheryl and Kim.
This was going to be Cheryl's first outside run since spraining her ankle over a month ago. Lakewood is also hilly, Kelly and I were pretty fatigued and had gotten pretty stiff and sore on the drive from Benton, so we took it pretty easy and walked the hills. We didn't really get to run with Cheryl and Kim much, but it was good to see them anyway.
Here are a few more pictures from the "Susan Run"
Kelly
Susan.. Mission accomplished
Thanks Susan and Kelly for a great run!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Beware of Dog
Yesterday afternoon I met Brenda and Michelle in NLR to run out by the Old Mill. Michelle came to Team 1 and we rode together. I haven't seen her since the marathon so it was great to see her and catch up on life and discuss some of our favorite t.v. shows.
I missed the turn into Lakewood because we almost witnessed an accident and it kind of freaked me out a little. Luckily no accident but it was very close. We had to turn around at Starbucks and with rush hour traffic I didn't think we were ever going to get out of there, Michelle kept telling me I was bigger than eveyrone else so just go for it!! LOL A nice lady in a cadillac finally let us out and we ended only being a few minutes late.
It was pretty chilly and windy at the start of our run, but it didnt' take long to warm up, especially since we had a nice little hill within the first few minutes of the run. I was really struggling with my breathing at first. It was kind of embarassing, I felt like I was so loud. I was determined though to keep up with Brenda and Michele and I did, except going up the hill at the Old Mill. We did a 2.5 mile loop twice so that meant going up that hill twice. I am proud to say although it really slowed me down I ran the whole time and even after cresting the top kept running, I had to so I could catch up with the girls.
One of the really nice things about running around Lakewood is the bathrooms so nice not to have to use a port-a-pottie, although there is one of those by the Old Mill just in case.
The first run up the Old Mill hill did something funky to my stomach so I needed to make a pit stop at those nice bathrooms. This is also where we were parked and had stashed our water bottles. After our pitstop we started off again, I was feeling pretty good, and we were just chatting away. One of our conversations centered around all the bad things we've been eating lately. It felt good to get it off my chest and to know I wasn't the only one!!
On our first loop we had encountered a very friendly dog, Brenda tried to scare him off, but he followed us for quite a while, finally he found another dog to play with. As we were getting closer to the area we had seen the little fella the first time I knew we would probably see him again... well I was right, he saw us coming and he was so HAPPY to see us he was just barreling towards us, I had a bad feeling.... we were running pretty fast at the time and I started slowing down, I knew what was going to happen next. The little bugger ran right for me and got tangled up in my feet, which resulted in me going down. I fell a couple of weeks before the marathon and really did a number on my knee, shin and hands... this time I tried not to put so much pressure on my hands and I did some kind of roll. I actually layed there for a second, last time I fell I popped right up, this time it took a few seconds. I'm fine, my knee is banged up again and i scrapped my palms a bit. It was more embarassing than anything, and of course I had a few tears. I think the tears embrassed me more than anything!! LOL poor Brenda and Michelle they are starting to get used to my tears!!
After the fall we walked for a little bit so I could get my composure back, but not for too long I knew the longer I walked the harder it would be to run.
I really like running in Lakewood, the cars are used to people running in that area and we got lot's of waves and people were very considerate of us, there were other runners out and about too and that is always nice. Towards the end of the run we were chugging up an incline when a very nice looking young guy passed us.. As soon as he was out of earshot I said that sucks or something along those lines, here we were running pretty hard and he just passes us so smooth and easy!!! LOL He passed us again later and Brenda made a comment about it as he was running by, he gave us a big smile :)
My Garmin lost satelite at 4.19 miles and although the time kept ticking away the mileage stayed at 4.19. I know we did at least 6 miles. Brenda and Michelle got a little more than me, they ran up and down in front of the restrooms when I had to make my pit stop.
Great run with great friends :)
This morning was spinning class and tonight swim lessons.
I missed the turn into Lakewood because we almost witnessed an accident and it kind of freaked me out a little. Luckily no accident but it was very close. We had to turn around at Starbucks and with rush hour traffic I didn't think we were ever going to get out of there, Michelle kept telling me I was bigger than eveyrone else so just go for it!! LOL A nice lady in a cadillac finally let us out and we ended only being a few minutes late.
It was pretty chilly and windy at the start of our run, but it didnt' take long to warm up, especially since we had a nice little hill within the first few minutes of the run. I was really struggling with my breathing at first. It was kind of embarassing, I felt like I was so loud. I was determined though to keep up with Brenda and Michele and I did, except going up the hill at the Old Mill. We did a 2.5 mile loop twice so that meant going up that hill twice. I am proud to say although it really slowed me down I ran the whole time and even after cresting the top kept running, I had to so I could catch up with the girls.
One of the really nice things about running around Lakewood is the bathrooms so nice not to have to use a port-a-pottie, although there is one of those by the Old Mill just in case.
The first run up the Old Mill hill did something funky to my stomach so I needed to make a pit stop at those nice bathrooms. This is also where we were parked and had stashed our water bottles. After our pitstop we started off again, I was feeling pretty good, and we were just chatting away. One of our conversations centered around all the bad things we've been eating lately. It felt good to get it off my chest and to know I wasn't the only one!!
On our first loop we had encountered a very friendly dog, Brenda tried to scare him off, but he followed us for quite a while, finally he found another dog to play with. As we were getting closer to the area we had seen the little fella the first time I knew we would probably see him again... well I was right, he saw us coming and he was so HAPPY to see us he was just barreling towards us, I had a bad feeling.... we were running pretty fast at the time and I started slowing down, I knew what was going to happen next. The little bugger ran right for me and got tangled up in my feet, which resulted in me going down. I fell a couple of weeks before the marathon and really did a number on my knee, shin and hands... this time I tried not to put so much pressure on my hands and I did some kind of roll. I actually layed there for a second, last time I fell I popped right up, this time it took a few seconds. I'm fine, my knee is banged up again and i scrapped my palms a bit. It was more embarassing than anything, and of course I had a few tears. I think the tears embrassed me more than anything!! LOL poor Brenda and Michelle they are starting to get used to my tears!!
After the fall we walked for a little bit so I could get my composure back, but not for too long I knew the longer I walked the harder it would be to run.
I really like running in Lakewood, the cars are used to people running in that area and we got lot's of waves and people were very considerate of us, there were other runners out and about too and that is always nice. Towards the end of the run we were chugging up an incline when a very nice looking young guy passed us.. As soon as he was out of earshot I said that sucks or something along those lines, here we were running pretty hard and he just passes us so smooth and easy!!! LOL He passed us again later and Brenda made a comment about it as he was running by, he gave us a big smile :)
My Garmin lost satelite at 4.19 miles and although the time kept ticking away the mileage stayed at 4.19. I know we did at least 6 miles. Brenda and Michelle got a little more than me, they ran up and down in front of the restrooms when I had to make my pit stop.
Great run with great friends :)
This morning was spinning class and tonight swim lessons.
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