tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23204993426268663362024-03-12T22:36:29.535-05:00Midlife Newby RunnerSlowly embarking on a journey to improve my health through runningPathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-55045816551285070972011-08-27T19:41:00.000-05:002011-08-27T19:41:38.184-05:00Boot Camping, Hiking and Running = Exhaustion!The last time I posted I was working on running a total of 15 miles/week. It was very tiring for me, but I was doing it. Then I decided to add two nights of boot camp. My daughter (D2) is a personal trainer and has her own business so I joined her boot camp (for free!). I managed to keep up the 15 miles along with the two nights of working out - for two weeks. I also added a few days of hiking during that time frame. <br />
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For some reason, after each activity I was feeling exhausted and found it difficult to stay awake. I was crawling into bed by 8:00 p.m during the week and taking naps on the weekends. I would doze off while reading blogs, even while trying to post on my blog. It got so bad I couldn't even stay awake at work! I had very little stamina so I cut back the weekly running miles, kept the boot camp workouts and decreased the amount of hiking. <br />
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But, I'm still running and the boot camp has helped make my legs stronger. I ran a Memorial Day 5 mile race at Boys Town with my family, started as a volunteer trainer for the Step Into Running program that is run by my running group, ran in the Warrior Dash in Kansas City and on Labor Day will run the Go Girl Run 5k. <br />
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The Memorial Day race was 1 mile and 5 miles. My daughter (D2), her husband, 15 yo son, 12 yo daughter and 2 yo daughter ran the 1 mile. It was Momo's (the 2 yo) first race and she was excited! I was in charge of taking pictures of her so I had to jump into the race at the start, point behind me and shoot and hope the pictures came out. Then I had to run to other locations along the route and take pictures as they came by. At one point she looked up at her mom and said "I'm a runner like you mommy". She ran most of the mile and walked some but wouldn't let anyone carry her when they offered. She was a tired little girl afterwards. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi697sWBIyWpWVhWm_MWP2UwFBNMhRFo93mHCpprxBH_prXRhGxyeTLZhA2VHGypTk7osvQf9_t9TNu6e4rU4O1-RCdf1b-CswhgA8S218qFdoWkXXSXsYi3KRw9BktZvsqs3nISJjrcvw/s1600/Madilyn+coming+around+round-a-bout+Memorial+Day+race+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi697sWBIyWpWVhWm_MWP2UwFBNMhRFo93mHCpprxBH_prXRhGxyeTLZhA2VHGypTk7osvQf9_t9TNu6e4rU4O1-RCdf1b-CswhgA8S218qFdoWkXXSXsYi3KRw9BktZvsqs3nISJjrcvw/s320/Madilyn+coming+around+round-a-bout+Memorial+Day+race+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Momo coming around the round-about</strong></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong> before the final stretch</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86jK8QLKfgUSHEikrN2zNbctSaLLJSavp1FB7DM1OxuODaqjY6-yprTgnsxa9mHgG_hxfUGZaJhyphenhyphenEJ8-iOX2z0-fiRoZJDBr1hjhTc8pYZAYQzzLVCvwsP6X2ICGEdwx3Fa5hM25NapE/s1600/Madilyne+crossing+finish+line+Memorial+Day+race+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86jK8QLKfgUSHEikrN2zNbctSaLLJSavp1FB7DM1OxuODaqjY6-yprTgnsxa9mHgG_hxfUGZaJhyphenhyphenEJ8-iOX2z0-fiRoZJDBr1hjhTc8pYZAYQzzLVCvwsP6X2ICGEdwx3Fa5hM25NapE/s320/Madilyne+crossing+finish+line+Memorial+Day+race+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Momo crossing the finish line with Mommy & Daddy</strong></span><br />
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I ran the five mile run with my friend Fitz. It was very hilly, the temperature was around 90 and it was very windy! It blew me off course a few times. My time was 1:15:41. Yep, I'm still slow.<br />
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The Step Into Running program is the same one I went through last summer when I started running. It helped me so much! When I first started I thought I would never make it through the first week running 1/5 intervals for a total of 30 minutes. I distinctly remember the first time I ran for 15 minutes without stopping - I was so excited and told our trainer right then that I was going to be a volunteer trainer this year. <br />
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During one of my hikes with a local hiking group I told one of the women (R) I'd been hiking with a few years about how I went through the running program. She was very interested and signed up. Plus, she got seven of her co-workers to sign up! So they became my group to run with and I started referring them as my Running Peeps. R even created a Running Peeps Facebook page for us. Some of the women are a bit over weight but they got out there every week and even as a group before or after work several days a week. They all have the best attitude about life. They have all improved so much. I'm so proud of them! They even plan to run the Go Girl Run race with the group.<br />
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July 30th my family and I went to Kansas City for the Warrior Dash. We got there on Friday, the 29th and spent 7 hours at Oceans of fun, went back to our hotel to shower and went out to a nice dinner with several of my daughters friends/boot campers that she talked into running the WD with us. We got back to our hotel and around 10:30, as I went to get my running clothes out of my suitcase, I discovered that I didn't pack them or my running shoes! I remembered that just before putting them into my suit case, my oldest daughter called me. As I was talking to her I zipped it up and carried everything out to the sidewalk to be ready when D2 got there to pick me up. Luckily for me, D2 brought extra running clothes and I used my every day Reeboks (not even close to running shoes) to run in. <br />
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The Warrior Dash (WD) is an obstacle course 5k. This is word for word description from their website, "a mud-crawling, fire-leaping, extreme run from Hell. This fierce running series is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe. Warriors conquer extreme obstacles, push their limits and celebrate with kick-ass music, beer and warrior helmets". Let me just say - I was exhausted! It began running uphill, which really sucked for me. With my lungs, it's difficult to start off running up hill. I ran almost to the top before having to walk. I ran down all, or mostly all, of the hills and tried to run up the hills as much as possible. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL_9YXv_YJo2hn4ZbaqkGDjIVsf1B8COCx8HjfYl-Lxv-fqWzp9j8qobWwPmkEETp8DT6k_9DWV1mjA3GO9K406mVac36EJ0Y3nKFpy88fyd8CJvlZJAcigMdRzu5_-FOed6ZVgcPlCU/s1600/Warrior+Dash++Before+race+07302011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL_9YXv_YJo2hn4ZbaqkGDjIVsf1B8COCx8HjfYl-Lxv-fqWzp9j8qobWwPmkEETp8DT6k_9DWV1mjA3GO9K406mVac36EJ0Y3nKFpy88fyd8CJvlZJAcigMdRzu5_-FOed6ZVgcPlCU/s320/Warrior+Dash++Before+race+07302011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Us before the race</strong></span><br />
There were around 12 obstacles to climb over or under or both. Each obstacle was taller and more challenging than the previous one, with the exception of running through a large area of tires. That was the easiest one. We ran through fields, woods, on muddy and rocky trails, and crossed three streams (one fairly wide and up to my waist). After the third to last obstacle we had to run up another hill, turn and run through another small group of trees and immediately jump two fire pits then crawl through a very large mud pit that had barbed wire going across half of it. <br />
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As I got to the top of the last hill I could see the fire pits through the trees. I was so tired! I saw a guy fall when he jumped the first fire pit. Luckily, he fell in the area between the first and second fire. When I saw that I stopped and decided to take a minute to catch my breath before attempting the fire. I wanted to be sure I would make it over both fire pits without falling. They must have just stoked the fires because the flames were pretty high! And you could really feel the heat. <br />
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There was a short running distance from the fires to the mud pits. People were actually diving into the muddy water! I ran up to the edge of the mud pit, stopped and attempted to just step into it but fell on my keester right into the mess. It felt gross! The bottom had to be about three inches deep of mud then another two feet of water. I decided to use my hands to pull myself along and just let me legs float behind me. It gave me a little bit of a rest. Then I felt something and pulled it out of the water. It was a piece of clothing, probably a shirt. I just tossed it aside. My daughter said people were picking up shoes out of the mud and tossing them onto the bank. <br />
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After a while, the water got shallower and it was more mucky mud than water. That's when we came to the barbed wire running across. At that point you had to actually crawl on your hands and knees and try to miss the barbed wire. By the time I got to the end of the mud pit, I was so tired. I actually just dug my fingers into the mud and pulled myself out of the pit. I stood up and felt myself weaving back and forth. I was afraid I would fall backwards into the mud. Then I heard my granddaughter yell for me. When I saw my family I broke into a big smile, raised my arms into the air with my index fingers pointing up, indicating that I finally made it! And I was a muddy mess!<br />
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But, I still had to cross the finish line. I still had several yards to go but somehow I managed to muster enough strength to stagger across the finish. I actually heard it ding as it read my timing chip. At the finish they put a medal around my neck and I staggered over to the water tables for a much needed drink of clean, cool water. My time was 1:10:26. I came in seventh of 16 in my age group. Thankfully they had water trucks that hosed off some of the mud. The buses that shuttled us back got very muddy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7Ew6Qw3jeBGRWkzJHlQh5Cicju8hbyUDLZ-n0V2EjzxMLZvR4r05gPW6XYAtM3T81b1gBbu4e0X2tLPfbLDkVk4N_BQARD6-quJipm7FmgOo0tB5UDPvBnmKn5yeUf9qamcdJQxsOm8/s1600/Warrior+Dash+after+race+07302011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7Ew6Qw3jeBGRWkzJHlQh5Cicju8hbyUDLZ-n0V2EjzxMLZvR4r05gPW6XYAtM3T81b1gBbu4e0X2tLPfbLDkVk4N_BQARD6-quJipm7FmgOo0tB5UDPvBnmKn5yeUf9qamcdJQxsOm8/s320/Warrior+Dash+after+race+07302011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Us after the race minus my grandson who went to get showered off</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH3IsBNzX-_bo4TnNwqAGpZ9JalnvhGW-rSRKlXstZZ6JfjqImHylh4w8dgf8DcL8usiaurPhkjp2uJ47iP_o04KtKyQpG5NHptNh3eNnMtws16UuMSsK4BveHxDmgxiqbFPtrL8lhp0/s1600/Warrior+Dash+Sis+Brad+Brandon++07302011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH3IsBNzX-_bo4TnNwqAGpZ9JalnvhGW-rSRKlXstZZ6JfjqImHylh4w8dgf8DcL8usiaurPhkjp2uJ47iP_o04KtKyQpG5NHptNh3eNnMtws16UuMSsK4BveHxDmgxiqbFPtrL8lhp0/s320/Warrior+Dash+Sis+Brad+Brandon++07302011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">D2, Son-in-law and grandson before the race. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"> Grandson </span></strong><strong><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">is wearing the horn hat we got</span>.</span></strong><br />
Even though I was exhausted, muddy and thirsty I plan to run the Warrior Dash again next year. <br />
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Unfortunately, within a few days of getting home bronchitis hit me again. I think it was because I didn't get enough sleep and the race was so exhausting for me that my immune system got worn down. I'm now on my second round of antibiotics and just started prednisone today. It's still affecting my stamina. It's been a bit difficult running since the WD. <br />
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I sure hope the bronchitis clears up for the Go Girl Run on Labor Day - which is also my birthday!<br />
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*I just realized my WD time was faster then my Memorial Day 5 mile time! Awesome!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-72580289195153912612011-04-03T22:25:00.000-05:002011-04-03T22:25:54.590-05:00I Believe I've Developed a New HabitAnd it’s called running! Last July I posted about not being able to make running a habit and not knowing why. I couldn’t imagine that I would ever think of running being important enough to me that I would schedule my other activities around my running schedule. But since I made a goal of running 15 miles a week, that’s just what I’ve noticed I’ve been doing the last two weeks. <br />
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Setting a goal and accomplishing it has helped me make running something I now actually look forward to doing. I’ve noticed that, even though I feel exhausted after running, I also feel pretty good. And it’s a great stress reliever!<br />
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The last few months have been very busy for me at work, especially the last two weeks. The week before last it got so stressful I started getting headaches and heartburn. I couldn’t wait to get home so I could jump on the treadmill (it was still cold and snowy and yep, I’m a wimp). Last week some of my family came into town unexpectedly. Even though I enjoyed being with them, I made sure I made my 15 miles goal. <br />
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My mileage for the last two weeks (I don’t include warm-up or cool-down times)<br />
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Week of 3/20:<br />
Sun 3.85<br />
Mon 2.59<br />
Wed 2.25<br />
Sat 6.50* <br />
Tot 15.19<br />
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*I was going for 7 but my treadmill stopped at 6.5, I don’t know why. I don’t know what the time was because it reset the time, but not the mileage. My treadmill is a Proform. Does anyone know if they have a distance or time limit and if that can be changed?<br />
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Week of 3/27:<br />
Mon 3.13<br />
Wed 3.04<br />
Fri 4.01<br />
Sat 5.26*<br />
Tot 15.44<br />
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*I originally did 4.26 then realized I was .56 short but had to go to dinner at my daughter’s so ran another mile when I got home.<br />
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When my lungs get used to the shock of having to work hard at least four days a week, I’ll increase my weekly distance a little. Right now I’m trying to increase my speed very slowly!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-31870996611695019182011-03-19T22:13:00.000-05:002011-03-19T22:13:55.372-05:00Leprechaun Chase 5k Race ResultsThe weather on race day was a bit overcast and cool. The temperature was supposed to get to low 40’s but I’m not sure if it ever did. And, since the race was held at the Strategic Air and Space Museum/Mahoney State Park, it was breezy which made it feel pretty chilly. <br />
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Luckily, the packet pickup was in one of the exhibit areas among the planes that are on display. The before/after festivities and start/finish line were inside the adjoining museum hangar. Actually, it was one large hangar separating the areas by a very large movable wall. It was the perfect size to hold the 1,000 participants, volunteers, and a few vendors. Massages were offered free from the Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital. And of course there was a beer (green of course!) garden.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeIYi8wvIcJ_H2WV5mVohUf1g8WDG_zckDLjhfd2rpmU-0T7l9X9wrMvhEgxY8pJ7dgchOInBDRe2J12C3T_DTqXzsNy-07iuhIVqZz4iklqb0osLvZq6MAHDwYZxStDPAm5DtpnCt7k/s1600/Me+Leprechaun+Chase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeIYi8wvIcJ_H2WV5mVohUf1g8WDG_zckDLjhfd2rpmU-0T7l9X9wrMvhEgxY8pJ7dgchOInBDRe2J12C3T_DTqXzsNy-07iuhIVqZz4iklqb0osLvZq6MAHDwYZxStDPAm5DtpnCt7k/s320/Me+Leprechaun+Chase.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me dressed for the race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I expected a festive atmosphere, lots of green and some strange outfits and I was right. There were several guys wearing kilts with running shorts underneath (thank goodness as the kilts were flapping in the breeze as they ran), a dozen women wearing tutus, lost of crazy hats and wigs, shamrock glasses, beaded necklaces, a few false beards and, of course, hundreds of crazy socks. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWcQJgkPScUDc6WAoZEmv8u2hCpbVSdYMW9-oF1GXjYpr_T1jggzuHdt5800Ey5dy1Um78JujZL_gS364c_PEQZEcjASm4E_KdzYvdsvu7GOi1iku0b5WSShaMtxj2x51U1unFjiT1Nw/s1600/Sissy+Leprechaun+Chase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWcQJgkPScUDc6WAoZEmv8u2hCpbVSdYMW9-oF1GXjYpr_T1jggzuHdt5800Ey5dy1Um78JujZL_gS364c_PEQZEcjASm4E_KdzYvdsvu7GOi1iku0b5WSShaMtxj2x51U1unFjiT1Nw/s320/Sissy+Leprechaun+Chase.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D2 dressed for the race. She decided not to wear the tutu.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsG4HRDHCdWix6BBjFXErOjk3HBi-p-W-eY7AVjxPC2Ob65k06g1BJwJVtluwFTTN7SjP6twLvh_quGqbv1mohx1MiZNaLlCpwxufTzdxNj-o2nyUzsfmaaZSwhg9uFtyo5b1pKoCack/s1600/P3120005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsG4HRDHCdWix6BBjFXErOjk3HBi-p-W-eY7AVjxPC2Ob65k06g1BJwJVtluwFTTN7SjP6twLvh_quGqbv1mohx1MiZNaLlCpwxufTzdxNj-o2nyUzsfmaaZSwhg9uFtyo5b1pKoCack/s320/P3120005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve, Fitz, son-in-law, D2, N and her boyfriend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One woman was dressed in a total lime green body suit. This thing covered her head, face, hands, every inch of her body. You couldn’t even see her eyes unless you were close to her. The only thing she wore over it was a pair of green shorts, sunglasses, iPod in an arm bad, socks and running shoes. It was pretty cool! She won first place ($200 prize) for best costume. <br />
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The reason it’s called a chase is because the men chase the women. The women started five and a half minutes ahead of the guys. The first person to cross the finish line would win a free beer for everyone of their gender. <br />
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The race started inside the hangar and out through the huge hangar door. We had to run around a few planes and around the museum building. We ran a loop around a rocket at the front of the building (I think that’s what it is) that stands on its end pointing up into the sky. The course then cut around the other side of the building through the grass, down a hill and looped around to a trail that runs right down to the road inside Mahoney State Park. Shortly after entering the park we came up to the one mile marker. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The women at the start of the race</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1yaTQOQ-KwvVcdzuju0CNvPRuJKERuWBUMV5pTOfnowgsiw1QxgnEQZGXmT4wwPC1RjmU78BVyPHGy5hI3ALrTw836Uf0Q618ZjqunKHFHn3gGDro-ea2BLJ8EdkHxaJ2gD13V0CTKI/s1600/P3120011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1yaTQOQ-KwvVcdzuju0CNvPRuJKERuWBUMV5pTOfnowgsiw1QxgnEQZGXmT4wwPC1RjmU78BVyPHGy5hI3ALrTw836Uf0Q618ZjqunKHFHn3gGDro-ea2BLJ8EdkHxaJ2gD13V0CTKI/s320/P3120011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first hill on the side of the museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqPF4PLA30sw90s4soPOElAUXM3O5PYcJ3MRsrBpF-L_PjL9B4r16HUPejPSTxnV_VVVL3X9jRQKAcEIZRY2tpM3bSk6CaiAnca2kxI6lqjRLh1etdBkD-YFGLz2DjjVjgMMgLUyhnHI/s1600/P3120012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqPF4PLA30sw90s4soPOElAUXM3O5PYcJ3MRsrBpF-L_PjL9B4r16HUPejPSTxnV_VVVL3X9jRQKAcEIZRY2tpM3bSk6CaiAnca2kxI6lqjRLh1etdBkD-YFGLz2DjjVjgMMgLUyhnHI/s320/P3120012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tail that runs into the park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The rest of the run is along the winding roads, going uphill then downhill, running on wooden walkways that across the ponds, past the various buildings, a driving range, swimming pool, miniature golf course, and horse stables. It looped back onto the trail up and around the museum ending back inside the hangar where we started.<br />
<br />
I thought I would do slightly better or at least as well as my first 10k last September. I was so wrong! I forgot how much more difficult it is (to me) to run outside versus running on a treadmill. Not to mention, I forgot my inhaler. I remember taking it out of my purse to put in my jacket pocket, but evidently I mindlessly put it back. And, since I carpooled with my daughter and son-in-law, I left my purse at their house. <br />
<br />
My friend Fitz, from the running group, and I ran together. We’re both slow and we can usually keep each other going. The first mile is usually a struggle and then I get into a nice steady pace and my breathing relaxes. But, not this time. <br />
<br />
It was difficult for me from the start. My lungs weren’t able to expand completely. I felt like I had a tight band wrapped around my chest. This caused me to breathe faster, so I had to consciously monitor my breathing. I made it about three fourths of a mile and started walking a few steps. Fitz would give me a few encouraging words and I’d start running again. <br />
<br />
We made it to the first mile marker and could see the guys running down the trail to the park road. We decided to do some walk/run breaks until Fitz’s husband Steve caught up to us. I was pretty thankful for the break! From then on the three of us would run until one of us (usually me) needed to walk. We always made sure not to walk for more than two minutes. <br />
<br />
Just before we reached mile three we saw the lead bikers coming and right behind them was a petite, very fast young lady. She had a look of determination on her face! She won the race, coming in around 20 seconds before the first guy. <br />
<br />
By the time we got to mile six I was struggling big time. I wasn’t sure I could keep going. I did more walking the last three quarter mile. But Fitz and Steve kept me going. Finally, as we were coming around the side of the museum, Steve picked it up and left us. Just before hitting the area with the planes, Fitz picked up her pace a bit and I somehow managed to squeak out just a bit more, coming across the finish two seconds after her. <br />
<br />
Once inside I thought I was going to cough up a lung. I felt horrible. My daughter said she was getting concerned because it was taking me so long. She managed to drag me over to get our times. My time was 1:30:26. I was disappointed, but just glad I kept going. At least I wasn’t last. There were about a dozen people that came in after me.<br />
<br />
Since the winner was female, all the women got a free beer. Since I don't drink beer, I gave it to my son-in-law. He was pretty happy.<br />
<br />
As for running this week, not much. It was a crazy week that kept me from getting home until after eight, sometimes nine. My days start at 4:30 a.m. so I was pretty tired. I did run at the lake on Monday, only one mile. Wednesday I ran with the group and got in three miles. <br />
<br />
Next week I’ll focus on getting in 15 miles – outside!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-26088188001498251102011-03-12T08:41:00.000-06:002011-03-12T08:41:40.190-06:00A Quick Post Before Today’s RaceToday is the <a href="http://www.lc10k.com/">Leprechaun Chase 10k</a> and I have to admit, I’m a little nervous. I think it’s because I don’t want to be last. But then again, I don’t really care because I know I’ll be having fun and no one else really cares who’s last. But still, I didn’t sleep very well last night thinking about that and several things I needed to get done before the race.<br />
<br />
I got most of the things done that I needed to except do a walk on the treadmill. I was planning to do a two mile walk, but was afraid I wouldn’t be able to help myself and start running and I know I need to save my legs for the race. They’re a bit sore from the running I’ve done this week to get to my goal of 15 miles for the week.<br />
<br />
My mileage for this past week:<br />
<br />
Mon. – 2 miles<br />
Tue. – 4.04 (my long run!) the first time without walk breaks.<br />
Thu. – 3.10<br />
*Sat. – 6.20 (after today’s race)<br />
Tot. – 15.34 miles<br />
<br />
I feel awesome about this! Me, running over 15 miles in a week! I never would have thought it possible.<br />
<br />
Well, I better get going. I have a few more things to do before meeting my daughter to carpool to the race at 1:00. Packet pickup is at 2:00 and the race director advises everyone get there early because the race starts promptly at 4:00. I’ll let you know how I did. <br />
<br />
Wish me Luck!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-65483046684382097272011-03-05T21:41:00.000-06:002011-03-05T21:41:11.245-06:00I Just Felt Like Running Virtual 5k ResultsAbout a month ago I signed up to participate in the 'I Just Felt Like Running' Virtual 5k organized by Jeff at <a href="http://detroitrunner.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-just-felt-like-running-virtual-5k.html">Detroit Runner</a>. It was just the motivation I needed to get me back into my running shoes and back on my mission to become a runner to improve my health. <br />
<br />
When I talk about improving my health, I mean specifically improving the health of my lungs. Any other health benefits I receive will be a fabulous plus. I have exercise-induced and allergy-induced asthma. Running is supposed to be the best treatment for Asthma. The problem is, it can be hell (and it kinda has been for me) to get the lungs conditioned and increase their capacity.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I had to get back into running slowly. After all, I had just begun running last June and my longest distance, without walking, was a 5k. A very slow 5k (39:39 I believe it was). <br />
<br />
I had to push myself to make it a mile without walking. It took a few weeks, but I did it. Then I aimed for a mile and a half before taking a walk break and increased my distance each time I jumped on the treadmill. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHiepmWR1QeT7CkueWuTzcRxkBkTk0SRUlF86uig5rbCLQMNwTKx4mv_glqLxG0IUEV-C_QN2lO4WOFn42QkcytSnd5XBlavcy6SdTTkk2r3qVJ_iDrnIsDSpr31BZ77rlIMeYCjnkok/s1600/P3050204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHiepmWR1QeT7CkueWuTzcRxkBkTk0SRUlF86uig5rbCLQMNwTKx4mv_glqLxG0IUEV-C_QN2lO4WOFn42QkcytSnd5XBlavcy6SdTTkk2r3qVJ_iDrnIsDSpr31BZ77rlIMeYCjnkok/s320/P3050204.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the race - I made my own bib</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLg4jRFRgnMvEpSgR08AC7YGicUd4YC8bxyVUfIhqTYEHnn_dDp4y8QKvd6YxO4OFsNvd3fjJYr5v7CAzJkDT-FYauQW0cd24XarsVLbQ_sui0AdGQEo5W3N1RLNYhScbDU2po6ZqhxI/s1600/P3050210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLg4jRFRgnMvEpSgR08AC7YGicUd4YC8bxyVUfIhqTYEHnn_dDp4y8QKvd6YxO4OFsNvd3fjJYr5v7CAzJkDT-FYauQW0cd24XarsVLbQ_sui0AdGQEo5W3N1RLNYhScbDU2po6ZqhxI/s320/P3050210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the race</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm happy to say I ran the entire 3.1 miles this past Thursday. But, it was slower than my first 5k race at 44:42. I wanted to improve on that time before submitting my Virtual 5k race results so I ran it again today completing it in 42:19. It's still slower than my first 5k, but I'm so happy that I not only ran 3.1 miles without walking twice this week, but I made an improvement on my speed. Things can only get better!</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9sxz-eVhDscY6sucmJztO2uIsyQ6Al9dK4fiWq3B355ffYGK7wohKgyNkU6e8UyHn5thqrvTNsvoGDkntM3SZDuZaAjLIS8aX2Fdhyphenhyphen_K4LvaE9uoZpVTdWxAQUfhhx1rijzBie8RUwY/s1600/P3050214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9sxz-eVhDscY6sucmJztO2uIsyQ6Al9dK4fiWq3B355ffYGK7wohKgyNkU6e8UyHn5thqrvTNsvoGDkntM3SZDuZaAjLIS8aX2Fdhyphenhyphen_K4LvaE9uoZpVTdWxAQUfhhx1rijzBie8RUwY/s320/P3050214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish - I added my time to my race bib</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This week's milage:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tues - 3.10 (had walking breaks)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thur - 3.10</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Fri - 2.25</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sat - 3.1</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">-------------------</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Total 11.55 miles - I had a goal of 15 miles but had to take Monday off to work on my taxes (which I'm not done with yet).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeU3skTyiAUGuWwUrbnKc4KDCrJayRg_nvvYWleGXrmYWi-Ah4g3Rd_YktDUkv5yt31TZK4xbAv-ggAGqgP3X7Nqu68DdWothkaR8DHPWwdJWK2fyZdoE7cyC5MJLpUn6WxXR1uUz0q38/s1600/P3050222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeU3skTyiAUGuWwUrbnKc4KDCrJayRg_nvvYWleGXrmYWi-Ah4g3Rd_YktDUkv5yt31TZK4xbAv-ggAGqgP3X7Nqu68DdWothkaR8DHPWwdJWK2fyZdoE7cyC5MJLpUn6WxXR1uUz0q38/s320/P3050222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I clean up pretty well after the race</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thank you Jeff for hosting this race. It's just what the doctor didn't order but very much approved of!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-37470722541202063262011-02-27T22:11:00.000-06:002011-02-27T22:11:38.603-06:00Keeping Track of my Mileage and a New Form of Cross Trainng.I've run 4 days this past week. I haven't done that since last fall when I was running every Wednesday with my running group, running a few days a week on my own and running with my sister helping her get into running. <br />
<br />
Last Sunday was a nice day in the mid 40's so I was able to run at the lake a slow 3.5 miles. It included having to retrace my steps to find one of my Nike light weight runnng gloves. Even though it was in the 40's, it can be a bit breezy at the lake, expecially running across the dam, which I have to do twice so I started out with gloves and an ear band which I quickly removed. It felt <strong><em>great </em></strong>to be outside. For me running outside is much more diffcult than running on a treadmill but I definitely prefer it.<br />
<br />
The rest of my runs were on the treadmill since the weather dipped into the 20's and 30's. Tuesday I ran 3.36, Thursday was 3.55 and Saturday was 3.5. My total for last week was a <strong>whopping</strong> <strong>13.91</strong> miles! I can hear you all snickering! Most of you run that and more in one day. But I know you're also cheering me on. You know how tough it is as a beginner runner and your words of support and encouragement mean a lot to me and I want to thank all of you for that. Next week I have a goal of 15 miles. I also will start back with my running group next Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Today I didn't do much, at least I haven't since 2 this afternoon. Last night all 5 granddaughters spent the night. Their ages are 12, 10, 8, 5 and 2. Five giggling, high-pitched voiced balls of endless energy. They turn the stereo up high, dance and sing to every song, color me endless pictures that I have to put on my fridge, scatter toys, books, colors and pencils up and down the stairs, ride their blankets down the stairs (which I have now forbidden as it leaves lint on the carpet that is difficult to vacuum), bicker over what movie to watch and who is sleeping where. <br />
<br />
Last night I managed to get them to bed early - 11:15! The 2 yo wet my bed (no pullups!) and I had to change her and rearrange where we slept. I finally got up a 6:30 for some quiet time - they ALL woke up at 7:00. Today was a flurry of activty until they went home at 2:00. It's always a whirlwind from the time they hit my door until I close the door behind them as they leave. But I love every minute of it.<br />
<br />
I think today qualifies as cross training, don't you?<br />
<br />
I took a nap this afternoon and this evening I have the academy awards on as I read blogs and drink a well deserved glass of wine. I hope you have a nice relaxing evening too.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-70461722248222246692011-02-15T20:26:00.001-06:002011-02-15T20:27:36.467-06:00Sunshine and SickiesThe weather here has been great! This past weekend it got up into the low 60's with lots of sun. Yesterday and today the temps have been in the mid to upper 50's and more sunshine. A lot of the snow and ice have melted. Great running weather!<br />
<br />
My plan was to get outside and run as much as possible but ... you guessed it. I got sick. Last week my boss had a horrific cold but she came into work anyway. By mid day Thursday it got me. I was miserable by 5:00 and didn't make it into work Friday. I had the usual cold symptoms but started running a fever of 100* but kept it down by taking Tylenol. I went to the doctor yesterday and found out I have a sinus infection, ear infection and bronchitis. She put me on a very strong (and very expensive) antibiotic that I take one a day for five days. We want to keep it from turning into pneumonia like it did last year.<br />
<br />
So, I haven't done any running since last Wednesday. I was doing pretty well at increasing my mileage. I did go for a few short walks around my neighborhood on Sunday and today, so I at least got to enjoy the great weather a little.<br />
<br />
My mileage for last week was:<br />
Monday - 3.4<br />
Wednesday - 4.13 <br />
<br />
I'm sure I'll be feeling well enough to run again by next week. I hope all of you are healthy and manage to side-step the sickies.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-886512324880012952011-02-07T22:19:00.000-06:002011-02-07T22:19:41.435-06:00Volunteering is InvigoratingYesterday I was a volunteer for the running club I belong to. It was a members only race called the Chiller Challenge, a 2 mile fun run, 1 mile kid run and a USTAF certified 8k. I had volunteered on the 2nd but hadn't heard anything back from the Volunteer Coordinator telling me what my job would be. When I got there he didn't have me on the list, but found a job for me - at the water station! <br />
<br />
Luckily I came pretty much prepared with my heavy coat, two pair of gloves, one pair of mittens, an ear band and hat. Unfortunately, I didn't get my snow boots out. All I had on my feet were my regular Reeboks and socks. My feet got cold! So did my face and hands. Once I removed one pair of gloves and put on the mittens, my hands got warm. But it was a little tricky juggling those cups of water in the palm of my hand so the runners could just grab them as they ran by me. <br />
<br />
After a while I started doing a bit of a jig, hopping around from one foot to the other trying to get my feet warm. Several of the runners commented that they liked my little 'water dance'! It did help to warm up a bit. Even though the temperature was in the mid twenties at the time, I was at that water station for about an hour and half standing in slushy snow. I was cold -- but I had a great time!<br />
<br />
After the race there was a chili feed, medals were awarded and there was a drawing. I didn't win anything from the drawing but had a good time talking and joking with the other members. <br />
<br />
On the running side - Last week I ran/walked three days for a weekly total of just over 9 miles. Tonight I ran 2 miles before walking a quarter mile then ran another 1.15 miles. I'm definitely low mileage compared to everyone else, but for me - it's a big deal! All last summer when I was running I didn't bother to really track my mileage. This time around I thought I'd keep track.<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, I registered for a 10k on March 12th. It's the Leprechaun Chase and sounds like a blast!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-73849825943097548082011-01-30T15:16:00.000-06:002011-01-30T15:16:42.351-06:00Back in the Running Shoes Again!Well, it’s been over two months since my last post and I haven't run much since mid-November. It just got too cold to run outside when all I had was one long sleeve cotton shirt and capris. Since I just started running last spring/summer, I didn't have the proper winter running gear and that stuff, as I found out, can be pretty pricey! And so are doctors!<br />
<br />
Part of my reason for not running was because I was out of commission for a while, from just before Thanksgiving through New Years and a while after, with asthma/bronchitis/strep throat (and a few other medical things) and taking prednisone and antibiotics. I was told by my doctor not to run in the cold because it would exacerbate the lung problems. <br />
<br />
However, I have kept up on reading everyone's blogs. I read about how you are all running in the freezing temperatures and loving it. I've seen the pictures of you happily running while it's snowing and I'm envious! I want to run outside all bundled up with the snow falling softly on and around me and hear nothing but my own breathing and footsteps. <br />
<br />
But, I have to confess, once I was feeling better, I found it difficult to get going again and became a slug. I would occasionally jump on my treadmill and do a 30 minute walk/run session but just couldn’t get motivated to pick up my routine. That was my other reason for not running – lack of motivation.<br />
<br />
Last night I was reading blogs and thought I would see what Michelle at <a href="http://www.runningwithattitude.com/">Running With Attitude</a> had been up to. She mentioned that Jeff at <a href="http://detroitrunner.blogspot.com/">Detroit Runner</a> (a blog I hadn't seen before) is putting on a virtual 5k. This peaked my interest so I clicked the link to his blog and read the details of his ‘I just felt like Running’ 5k race. I thought to myself ‘I can do this. I’ve run a 5k before.’ I suddenly got the urge to get back into a running routine! <br />
<br />
So this morning I took my first step to get back into the saddle of running and put on my running shoes. I hopped on the treadmill and did a slow paced 30 minute run/walk and an hour long exercise session with my sister. I have plenty of time to work back up to running 3.1 miles non-stop for the March 5th race day. Luckily, I haven’t lost all of the fitness I had achieved during the summer. It will be tough to do all my running inside, but now I have a goal and motivation.<br />
<br />
The next time it snows, I think I’ll go for a nice walk and enjoy the snowflakes falling on and around me and listen to the quietness of my footsteps.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-69661053270741053222010-10-17T00:33:00.000-05:002010-10-17T00:33:17.027-05:00A Marathon, A Celebrity and A Race For The CureI should have titled this 'Running is great but it makes me very tired' because that's exactly what my problem is these days. I'm exhausted all the time now. But that's for another post because I'd better get to the topics of this post before I get too tired and save it as a draft, again.<br />
<br />
The Omaha Marathon was held on September 26th and I participated as a volunteer while my daughters and their friends were runners. D1 and a few friends ran the 10k while D2 and a few other friends ran the half. <br />
<br />
Since I had never been anywhere near a marathon race before, I felt I wanted to experience it from the beginning so I volunteered to stuff the race packets, hand out the packets then help with food prep at the finish line. Of course, I signed up as a volunteer before the girls decided to run in it. But, I did enjoy participating in it on the other side. It made me appreciate the hard work that goes into organizing a marathon and I got to meet a lot of great people.<br />
<br />
The morning of the marathon was quite chilly and the excitement about the whole event was awesome. I was with the girls and their friends as they found their way into the crowd at the starting line and watched as the massive line of runners slowley made their way under the banner and down the road. I continued watching as they made their way across the railroad tracks, under the interstate and disappeared between the buidings going through downtown. I couldn't help but wish I was running with them.<br />
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After losing sight of most of the runners, I reported to my post at the food prep section right near the finish line. I cut oranges and bagels for about an hour while keepng my eye out for the first runner to come through. I knew that D1 would be the first of my girls to cross the line since she was running the 10k and I estimated how long it would take her based on her time running the Corporate Cup. <br />
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I finally decided it would be best for me to stop cutting up food before I cut off one of my fingers because I couldn't keep my eyes off the finish line. Since I had volunteer credentials, I was able to find a great place to stand just a few feet behind the line and see the runners come around the last turn into the finishing stretch and straight across the finish line. <br />
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After what seemed like eternity, but quite close to the time I expected, D1 came around the last turn, down the stretch and across the line where she received her medal from one of the Marine's. Since I'm not a photographer (D1 is) and all I had was her phone camera, I managed to get a great picture of her coming across the line ( I keep forgetting to have her send it to me).<br />
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I was able to get D1 into the area where I was and we saw the rest of the group come in that ran the 10k. D2's husband, mother-in-law and 2 yo daughter arrived but couldn't get into the same area, so I took his camera to get a picture of her as she ran across the finish line. <br />
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We had estimated when D2 would be coming through and we were quite surprised when she came in a little sooner. It was awesome seeing her and her friend N (one of her boot camp clients) run around the last turn and down the stretch side-by-side. They crossed the finish line toghether, holding hands. I got tears in my eyes watching them. They hugged when they stopped then got their medals. It was both girls first half-marathon! I was afraid I wouldn't get the picture because I was so nervous waiting for her, but the picture was awesome!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJgFXOaEu0qIdq3hsw5wcZI0ElWdTakATCzB_R6DpzCY34vLf7TOhCDBjLj_0smo742VkWs0FOGU5uZYw7JCMtIci8SzjuYpI0Id41xp-gp9vDPHmdWNclkrqST8ZvBvdzHtp7RQk5JI/s1600/Sis+and+Nancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJgFXOaEu0qIdq3hsw5wcZI0ElWdTakATCzB_R6DpzCY34vLf7TOhCDBjLj_0smo742VkWs0FOGU5uZYw7JCMtIci8SzjuYpI0Id41xp-gp9vDPHmdWNclkrqST8ZvBvdzHtp7RQk5JI/s1600/Sis+and+Nancy.jpg" /></a></div> <span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">D2 is the blonde </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlvACeozY89aDsPCy68ox_yCc2r2AVvrUyxQewOKdmUfXonRbHksYfMt3dV7bvpYPdAuNu3I7sRrNHTOefUXsvp8xvyeuFJfnED-zRMKOq4SfQa8vDjbjj422Ct6sqIDRxWGiyvVc-4s/s1600/Mad+saying+Good+job+Mommy!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlvACeozY89aDsPCy68ox_yCc2r2AVvrUyxQewOKdmUfXonRbHksYfMt3dV7bvpYPdAuNu3I7sRrNHTOefUXsvp8xvyeuFJfnED-zRMKOq4SfQa8vDjbjj422Ct6sqIDRxWGiyvVc-4s/s320/Mad+saying+Good+job+Mommy!.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">D2's husband and 2 yo daughter congratulating her</span></div><br />
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All of the girls did a great job. D1's time was 1 hr and 12 minutes. She took five minutes off her last 10k time two weeks prior! D2's time was 2 hours 9 minutes - awesome for her first half! Her friend N was 1 second behind her. <br />
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Now for the celebrity! Jeff Galloway was in town for the Marathon. The Omaha Running Club held a few events for him. I went to a reception at one of the art galleries and talked to him. I told him about running my first 10k, using the run/walk method he advocates, by running 5 min/ walk 1 min. He asked what my pace is and I told him around 13 (yeah, I'm slow). He suggested I do 3/1 to begin then going to 4/1 and finish at 5/1. That way I start out slow and don't get tired in the beginning and will have enough to finish faster. He also spoke at the pasta dinner the night before the race. It was pretty interesting meeting him. He's a nice guy, has some great stories about his running career and great advice.<br />
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October 3rd was the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k that I participated in with my girls and their friends. We had the option of purchasing a timing chip or not and we all got the chip. This race was huge! (I thought so anyway). There were around 20,000 people - runners and walkers. It was a see of pink (except for me, I wore red!)<br />
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The people with the chips were suppose to line up at the front. And we were just a few rows back from the starting line! I knew I was in trouble. I knew I would have to start out way faster than I wanted or should or I would get trampled. <br />
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I thought I was going to lose a lung before I was able to get far enough to the side to safely slow down. I was intending to run with D1 and W (she had the timer as I forgot Little Red) and I was way ahead of them. I had run well over five minutes before I was able to slow down and find them. Then W noticed that she hadn't started the timer! I suggested we walk for a minute then start the timer. <br />
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We did 4/1 intervals but I was already tired and was having some difficulty breathing. I had used my inhaler on the way to the race and noticed that it didn't have much in it so I didn't get the full amount of medication. <br />
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After a few about a mile and half I told D1 and W to go ahead because I just didn't have it in me. I was really struggling. I just kept doing the run/walk intervals even though I wasn't able to time it. What I did was count the seams in the concrete - I would run and count 20 or 30 seams (depending on how I was feeling) and walk for 10 or 12. I wanted to be sure I ran longer than I walked and that I only walked for very short periods. <br />
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Finally, when I was about two blocks from the last turn before the final stretch, as I began running I told myself I wasn't going to stop until I crossed the finish line. When I came around that corner I saw that it was a longer stretch than I had thought. I wasn't sure I would make it but I kept going. I tried to kick it at the end and managed to speed up just a little. All of the girls were waiting for me just beyond the line, standing in single file with their hands up and gave me a high-five as I came through. It was a great feeling!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6QbEJhWbCn4KJ1RktNeiZ2ufgWEbv11I5RBjDOAvSW7kIkNqP8meoqN-AE8dwkRH_xg5-52DIzv6pFABy1yQWObE_kMe7qHgYplPbFHk0W8oGGMt9PYUXNF3liajzIaMuoWDmZFi6wY/s1600/Race+for+the+cure+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6QbEJhWbCn4KJ1RktNeiZ2ufgWEbv11I5RBjDOAvSW7kIkNqP8meoqN-AE8dwkRH_xg5-52DIzv6pFABy1yQWObE_kMe7qHgYplPbFHk0W8oGGMt9PYUXNF3liajzIaMuoWDmZFi6wY/s1600/Race+for+the+cure+2010.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: red;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">J, Me, D1, D2, N, JF, W - after the race</span></span><br />
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Unfortunatlely, when I stopped running the coughing kicked in something fierce. I could barely breath or talk. I used my inhaler but it was completely empty. I had to just keep coughing and trying to keep myself calm and slow my breathing. At one point I had thought about going over to the medical tent and asking if they had an emergency inhaler but the coughing finally subsided and I did fine. <br />
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There was a pink ambulance parked not far from the finish line and some volunteers were handing markers to everyone to sign or write messages to people they know that survived or died from breast cancer. I found a place on the back corner and crouched down to write. When I was finished I turned around to find a camera man filming me. My daughters joked that I was a camera magnet. I didn't see if it made the news because I didn't catch which TV station he was from. <br />
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There was a lot of food and give aways. One of the local Medical affiliates gave away tulip bulbs in little pink satiny bags. They're pink tulips. We're suppose to plant them this fall, which I haven't yet so I better get them planted tomorrow!<br />
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This running and racing really is addicting! I can't wait to get off work to go run. But, for some reason I'm extremely tired all the time. In fact, I had a tough time pushing myself to run this week. I had a docor appointment on Monday and had some blood drawn for tests. I should find out the results next week. I think my hemoglobin is low again. <br />
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Anyway, that's what I've been up to and why I'm not blogging much. I can't stay awake and I'm dying to get to bed now! Good night and happy running!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-15499276393674100602010-09-27T06:09:00.000-05:002010-09-27T06:09:25.776-05:00My 10k Race That Made Me a TV Star!A week ago I ran The Omaha Corporate Cup 10k. It was my second race and my first 10k. The morning was pretty chilly, we had to wear light jackets and gloves. There were around 4,000 runners. The elite runners got to run an hour before the rest of us. The seeded runners, of course, were in the front, then the regular runners (I'm not sure what we are categorized as) and the walkers at the back. Being in a race is very exciting, whether it's a small crowd or large. My first race was just over one hundred people, very small but the excitement was just as great as this one.<br />
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D2 and her friend N are faster runners and, even though they were several rows behind us, passed D1, W and me before we even crossed the starting line, which took us a minute or two to get across due to the large crowd. It's a good thing we had chips on the back of our bibs.<br />
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D1, W and I had decided earlier to use the Jeff Galloway method of running - to run/walk from the beginning, not to wait until getting tired before walking. D1 and W had originally thought they would run one mile/walk one mile but I thought that would make us tired too soon, after all, we're new to this running and racing stuff. So we decided to run 5 minutes and walk one minute.<br />
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Well, after about a mile or so at that ratio we were getting a bit fatigued and started using 5/2. After a few intervals at that ratio and getting a little rested, we decided to use what Galloway had actually suggested, a 4/1 ratio which worked pretty good for almost the rest of the race. <br />
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At one point I used my inhaler even though I had used it about two hours prior to the race. This caused the girls to get a little concerned about me so I had to assure them I was fine, just needed a little boost from the inhaler. <br />
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Sometime between the fourth and fifth miles I felt I needed to take an extra minute of walking (which the other two were glad I did as they were feeling it too) but then resumed our 4/1 ratio for about the next mile then we just ignored our timers and ran until we needed to walk but always tried to keep the walking short. <br />
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Finally I told the girls to go ahead, that I was just going to go at a slower pace and would be fine. They reluctantly left me and would occasionally look back to see how I was doing. I just kept running some then walking some, always making sure I ran more than walked. The last mile was up hill, not steep but a steady incline. <br />
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I lost sight of the girls as they turned the final corner towards the finish line. I wanted to be sure I ran the last half mile and that I came around that corner running. I was so happy after turning the corner because from there it went downhill! I could see D1 and W going across the finish line. <br />
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As I was running toward the finish I kept looking around for D2 and the rest of the family but couldn't find them. I picked up my pace a little and just before hitting the finish line I heard my granddaughter shout 'Go Gramma!'. I turned to my left and could see everyone standing at the finish line and I raised my arms in the air as I ran across the finish! I was so happy I had completed the race and I wasn't last! <br />
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When I stopped running my legs felt like wet noodles and almost buckled. I started walking toward my family, stumbled and almost fell on my face. D2 came over to me and gave me a high five then gave me a big hug. When I got to the side with the rest of the family I got big hugs from all of them. They said how proud they were of me for funning the race. The grandkids thought I was awesome!<br />
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As I was going across the finish I also noticed someone with a camera standing with my family and following me as I crossed and as I was getting high-fived and hugged. When I got to where everyone was standing I noticed it was a reporter. She had been interviewing D2 when she said 'here comes my mom. She has asthma'. Apparently the reporter asked her what made her decide to run this race.<br />
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The Corporate Cup is sponsored by the American Lung Association, so when D2 mentioned that I had asthma the reporter zoomed in on me. When I got over to where everyone was standing, and after hugging everyone, I needed to sit so I sat down on the curb and leaned against a light pole. She knelt down in front of me and started asking me questions. One was 'you have asthma and ran in this race. Would you tell other people with asthma and other lung diseases that they could do this too?' I told her yes, that I trained with the Omaha Running Club and ran my first 5k on Labor Day and this is my first 10k. Its hard work, but well worth it! <br />
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Then the reporter went back to D2 and asked her why she decided to run this race. D2 told her 'I had been doing a little running for a while but never felt I could run a race, but when my mom, who has asthma, asked me to run a 5k with her, I thought if she could run a race having asthma, than I certainly could run it too'. I felt so proud of her and had tears in my eyes.<br />
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Well, my part of the interview was aired on the evening news, but unfortunately they cut out my daughter's interview. I got quite a few positive comments and congratulations from friends and co-workers that saw that clip. Some of the comments were 'You're a TV star'.<br />
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There was a time during the race when I questioned my decision to run a 10k having just begun running and only ran one 5k. I felt I might have bit off more than I could chew but I never once felt like quitting. My race time was 1:21:22. I don't remember what my pace was calculated to be. The only thing I really care about is that I did it. As tired as I was when I finished, I felt awesome for the rest of the day.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-32108411717336371392010-09-18T18:31:00.000-05:002010-09-18T18:31:10.212-05:00Finally, my first 5k reportI can't believe it's been almost two weeks since I ran my very first 5k and I haven't even told you all about it! There are a few reasons though, one is my computer still had some problems and another is I'm so tired all the time and don't know if it's due to the running or something else.<br />
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Anyway, my first 5k was on Labor Day. I was excited and a bit nervous. I met my daughters at the event. My youngest daughter (D2, the personal trainer) brought 6 of her boot campers and her 11 year old daughter and her friend (they both ran it too). My oldest daughter (D1) brought her sister-in-law (W). We had a nice sized group! I introduced them to several of the women in my running group.<br />
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I met up with a friend (F) I met in the training sessions and met her husband and son. Her son participates in Ironman Triathlons. It's really great that he supports her and gives her training tips. She and I had planned to run the 5k together. I teased her telling her when we got close to the finish line I was going to kick it and leave her in the dust. We all got a good laugh at that - she's almost 6 feet tall and I'm five feet! But, we're both slow and can pace each other.<br />
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The girls of course ran ahead of me and I ran with F. She and I kept each other paced and motivated. The race was small (about 120 women and kids) and the course was an out and back, so I got to see many of the people from the training group and my daughters and granddaughter as they were on their way back. It was pretty awesome to give the girls high fives as we passed each other! And the words of encouragement from them and the other women made it fun, inspiring and motivating. <br />
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Then, when F and I had less than a mile to go I started feeling nauseous and very tired. F kept talking to me and tried to keep my mind off of how I was feeling. Twice I said I just couldn't keep going and tried to stop but both times she grabbed my arm and pulled me along. I told her she didn't have to worry (as if she ever was) because there was no way I would be able to 'kick it' at the end. At that point I started thinking to myself 'why am I doing this'! <br />
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Finally, as we came around the last curve, we could see the people lined up along the trail by the finish line and could hear them yelling for us to run faster. I saw my son-in-law standing with his camera taking pictures and I remember giving him two thumbs up but feeling very tired. F and I just kept our normal pace until one of the guys I knew yelled 'hurry, go faster or the little girl behind you is going to beat you'. I looked back and saw this little eight year old girl and her mom not far behind us. <br />
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I don't know how I managed to do it, but I just started sprinting! I yelled and motioned at F to 'hurry, go faster'. I could hear my family and friends yelling 'go, go, go'! Just as I was about to cross the finish line that little girl passed me on my right, her mom was right next to me and F was suddenly on my left. That little girl beat me by one second! Her mom and I crossed at the same time and F was just one second behind me. It was very exciting! Suddenly, I was feeling pumped and couldn't wait to do it again! <br />
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It's crazy the adrenaline rush I got after putting my body through the hardest workout it has ever done and wondering why I was doing it. About a week before the race I ran 3 miles in 40 minutes. I ran the 5k in 39:59 - 1/10th of a mile longer and one second faster. The improvement I have made in the past month is amazing! <br />
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I'm still helping my sister with the running program that I did. We run together twice a week. I'm also trying to run with my oldest daughter, but her business (she's a photographer) and her husband's long hours make it difficult for her. We've had to bring her three daughters on their bikes. It's not difficult with the two oldest girls because they can ride rings around u, but the 5 yo is still using training wheels and didn't like having to ride so far and being left behind by her sisters.<br />
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Tomorrow D1, D2, W and I are running the Corporate Cup 10k. D2 will leave us in the dust of course. D1, W and I have a plan to run it using the Jeff Galloway run/walk program. At first the plan was to run 1 mile and walk 1 mile. But after thinking about it, that would take us way too long to complete the race if we walked every other mile. So we've decided to change it to run 10 min/walk 1 min or maybe 5/1. I have it all programmed in Little Red so we can make the decision when we get there. I just hope it doesn't rain (it's been raining all day today).<br />
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I've been having some leg pain the past several weeks and it has gotten a little worse. The pain actually starts right in the middle of my left buttock and goes down to the middle of the back of the thigh. I also get pain on the outside of my right knee. I'm trying to be sure to stretch well, even used my Yoga for Athletes video. I've taken Ibuprofen which helped but cause very bad heartburn. Today I started using Aleve, just once so far, but it hasn't helped yet. I hope it doesn't hurt tomorrow and that I don't make it worse. If anyone has any tips on how to treat this pain, please let me know.<br />
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I've rambled enough for one post and need to get my running gear together for tomorrow. I'll be sure to report on the 10k much sooner than I did for the 5k.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-24284191046385080152010-09-05T20:55:00.001-05:002010-09-05T20:55:26.529-05:00Three Miles, a Sick Computer and a 5kA few weeks ago my personal computer got infected with a virus. One day I was reading my email and just surfing the net when suddenly I got a pop up Windows Security Alert from a yellow shield that mysteriously appeared in the system tray. It said my computer was infected. Then a bunch of alerts keep popping up giving different warning signs. <br />
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Anyway, it took a long time and help from volunteer professionals at bleepingcomputer.com to clean up my computer. I found out it was a rogue security program that got downloaded to my computer somehow.<br />
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During this time I used my work laptop to read some of my favorite blogs and even commented on a few. But I really don't like to use it for my personal stuff much so I didn't post anything on my blog. Now that my computer is feeling much better I can try to catch up on the last few weeks. <br />
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For week nine of my training the intervals were 9/1, which I managed to do, at least for some of the intervals. That week another runner in the group brought her four month old baby in his stroller. She was struggling to push the stroller up a hill while holding him (because he was fussing) so I stopped to help. She asked if I would push the stroller as I ran. I now have complete admiration for women that run while pushing a stroller! That thing wasn't easy to push empty. It has to be a challenge to push with a baby or larger child in it. <br />
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Week 10 is when we began running for 30 minutes without walking. I have to admit I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it. During the group run, my lungs and legs actually felt pretty good. I noticed that I was running a bit faster than I usually do. Quite a few of the other runners noticed and commented on how much I had improved. But for some reason, when I reached 15 minutes I decided I should stop and walk! I don't know why. I actually felt as though I could have kept going but just stopped. <br />
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Another beginning runner (F) was running with me and I noticed she seemed to be struggling and had stopped when I did. She was keeping track of our distance with her Nike Plus and said we had run 3/4 of a mile. We walked for about five minutes then ran another 3/4 mile. By then my legs were feeling pretty tired and I found myself struggling and couldn't keep going. I was a bit upset with myself for stopping when I was feeling good. <br />
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I ran once more between weeks 10 and 11 at the lake. I had such a difficult time with my lungs but managed to run for over 16 minutes before walking. After getting home I realized I had forgotten to use my inhaler before going running. No wonder I felt like I couldn't catch my breath!<br />
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Week 11, which was last Wednesday, we were scheduled for another 30 minutes non-stop. Since it was the first Wednesday of September, it was potluck night. We gathered at a member's house, got all the great food together, and then took off for our run. I ran with the F from week 10. <br />
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This time we were both feeling good. My lungs had never felt better (I remembered to use my inhaler about 40 minutes before the run) and my legs didn't feel tired at all. When I announced that we had less than a minute left before the five minute cool down walk, she said that we had run for 2 1/4 miles and asked if I felt good enough to go an additional 3/4 mile for a total of 3 miles! I just wish we would have thought to run the additional .1 to make it a 5k.<br />
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Let me tell you - that last 1/4 mile, we were huffing and puffing but didn't stop. We ran 3 miles without stopping! When we did stop my legs felt like jello. I had a bit of a wobble in my walk for a while as we walked back to the house, but man did I feel great! <br />
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I can't believe I ran 3 miles! Compared to most of you, 3 miles isn't much. But I also know that all of you had to start at the beginning. I'm sure you all felt just as elated the first time you ran a significant milestone without stopping. And I'm sure you're all celebrating the success of my milestone with me.<br />
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Yesterday I ran at the lake hoping I could run the 3 miles again, but wasn't able to. My right thigh started hurting. The pain ran down my thigh to the outside of the knee. Since tomorrow I run my first 5k, I made sure to take it easy and took a few ibuprofen. Now I'm a little afraid it might start hurting during the run. <br />
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Today (my 55th birthday) I picked up my race packet. I'm excited and a bit scared (don't know why) at the same time. No matter what happens or what my time is, even if I come in dead last, I'll be successful just for the fact that I did it!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-77170909891734803612010-08-15T12:59:00.000-05:002010-08-15T12:59:25.332-05:00An Accidental Longer Run and a Run With My SisterLast Monday I did day 3 of week 7 of my training program, three intervals of 7/3. I walked up to the lake and headed straight across the dam. Halfway across Little Red (garmin) notified me it was time to start running the first interval. I was feeling good, my breathing was really good and I managed to keep my mind on things other than the run. <br />
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Well, at a certain area around the lake I started thinking that Little Red (LR) should have notified me by now that it's time for the three minute walk or will be very soon. I'm starting to get a bit tired; my legs feel like they need a break and my breathing is getting a bit labored. <br />
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When I run, I don't like to look to see how much time I have left. It makes me feel like 'I still have so-and-so many minutes to go and I don't think I can make it'. It’s psychological, I know, but it makes it harder for me to motivate myself to keep going. I like feeling surprised when I hear the beeps telling me the running part is over and I can walk. <br />
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Anyway, I quickly glanced at LR and noticed 20 seconds. Yes! I can hang in there for 20 more seconds. But, no beeps come from LR. By now I'm at an area of the trail that I know for sure takes me longer than 7 minutes to run to so I take a good look at the time and saw 5:47! I stopped running and stopped the timer.<br />
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I didn't know what happened. Did the timer stop for a while and suddenly start again? Did I not hear the beeps telling me to walk then run again? Did I select one of the longer workouts by mistake? I was pretty tired by then and needed a walk break so I made a mental note of where I stopped, did a short walk further along the trail and back to the stopping point and started the timer again. At the end of the 5:47 time I heard LR beep indicating the 3 minute walk. Man, was I happy for that walk. I did the last interval without any glitches and went back home to upload the data into the Garmin Training Center.<br />
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After analyzing the data from that run I noticed that I had run for almost 13 minutes without stopping! That's huge for me. I felt amazed and pretty good about myself. <br />
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What I think happened is that I didn't hear the beeps because I wore a sweat band under the garmin. I had read on a blog that some people do that because it always gets so sweaty under the garmin and the moisture seeps into the holes on the bottom of the device and causes corrosion. So, until I find a thinner sweat band that won't muffle the beeping sounds, I won't be wearing anything under LR.<br />
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On Wednesday with the running group we began the 8/1 intervals. Unfortunately, the temperature was 98 degrees with a heat index around 112 at 6:00 P.M! It was decided that we wouldn't run, so we walked the 5k distance. It was so hot! <br />
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Yesterday, I got out to run at 10:00 A.M but the temp was already in the mid 80's. The first interval actually went pretty good. But, during the second interval I just didn't have it in me. I stopped within the first two minutes and walked for a minute then tried running again but just couldn't do it. I walked the rest of the time then just went back home.<br />
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Now to my sister. She's four years older than me and we're both 5 foot nothing. I weigh 114 lbs, but she has battled her weight for years and is dangerously overweight. She heard about me running and commented that she would like to learn to run.<br />
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So, this morning she and I began the training program starting with week one - run 1 minute/walk 4 minutes doing 6 intervals for a total of 30 minutes. Of course, the more intervals we did, the more difficult it felt for her but she did great. She did better than I did when I first started! I'm so excited to help her get physically active and improve her health. And I'm so proud of her for recognizing that she needs to do it and taking that first step on her own.<br />
Something I noticed about myself during today’s run with my sister is that I barely broke a sweat! I probably wouldn't have if it hadn't been almost 70 degrees. It was a great confirmation that my fitness ability and lung capacity are indeed improving. And I've noticed a change in the definition of my calves and thighs as well. <br />
This running stuff is hard work - but well worth the effort!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-13709597196429936172010-08-07T23:59:00.000-05:002010-08-07T23:59:40.054-05:00Running Improvement and Need a Road ID BraceletI'm still participating in the training program through the running club on Wednesday evenings and doing pretty good. I struggled some in weeks 4 (run 4/walk 1) and 5 (5/1). I'm not sure if it was the heat (it's been in the upper 80's & lower 90's) or if it was because my legs weren't feeling strong enough. In fact, I noticed that the first couple of intervals I would struggle with my breathing, but then my lungs would feel like they opened up making it easier to breathe, but my legs would feel like they didn't have the strength to keep going. <br />
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On week 6 day 1, I did great! I didn't have to walk at all during the 6 minute run intervals and I felt pretty good about myself. The second day of week 6 I ran at the lake in the middle of the day (not smart!) in 80 something degrees. I was actually done pretty well until the last interval. I was feeling pretty tired and was running up a hill that was steeper than I was used to and I hadn't run in that area before. I kept saying to myself 'you can do it, you can do it', when suddenly I just stopped! It surprised me. It was as if someone had put their hand on my chest and held me back. I walked for several minutes and tried to run more but just didn't have it in me to do it. I didn't even attempt to run day 3.<br />
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Last Wednesday was day 1 of week 7 (7/3). We did our training at one of the member's home and had a potluck. She lives in an awesome area that is hilly and a big wooded area. We actually did part of our run on trails through the woods. It was my first experience at trail running. I have to admit that ALL of the hills were VERY steep so some of us didn't run up most of them. It was a great workout but I didn't get the full 7 minutes of running because it was so hilly and I'm not at that level yet. <br />
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But this morning (I got smarter and went earlier when it was just 74 degrees) I did day 2 at the lake and ran each interval without stopping! My last interval was on the hill that I had stopped so suddenly last week. I think I've got that hill licked. Now I can't wait to run day 3!<br />
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Next Wednesday begins week 8 (8/2) and I feel pretty confident I can do it. <br />
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I never thought I'd see the day that I would be able to run 7 minutes without stopping. I know it doesn’t sound like much to most of you but to a person that has never been athletic or run since childhood, with asthma to boot, running for 7 minutes straight is a huge accomplishment!<br />
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During week 5 I developed bronchitis - again. Because I've started running, it aggravates my lungs and will continue to do so for quite a while. So my doctor gave me a steroid shot and I'm just about finished with my second round of antibiotics in a month. I don't want the bronchitis to get worse and develop into pneumonia again. <br />
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When I run I wear a SPIbelt to hold my cell phone, identification and inhaler. I was always planning to get one of those Road ID bracelets but haven't yet. So, in the meantime what I did was made a copy of my driver’s license and carried it, folded, in my SPIbelt. Well, a few weeks ago as I was doing my cool down walk, my phone rang. I pulled it out of the belt but didn't zip it back up. I walked home while talking to my friend on the phone. <br />
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Once I got home I took off my shoes, removed the belt and took everything out of it as I usually do. But, the copy of my driver’s license wasn't there. I realized I must have lost it when pulling my phone out of the belt or it fell out because I didn't zip it back up. I hastily slipped on a pair of flip flops and headed out the door to retrace my steps searching the ground along the way for a piece of paper the size of a driver’s license that was folded in quarters.<br />
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Now, I always take a short cut to the lake, which these days is becoming overgrown with weeds. Imagine trying to find a postage stamp in weeds that are knee high while wearing flip flops. I climbed the hill to the dike, crossed the dike and got half way around the lake to the area where I pulled my phone out of my belt. There it was. Someone had picked it up then ripped it into a hundred little pieces. I got on my hands and knees and picked up every little piece of paper I could see. When I got home I put it back together just to be sure I had gotten at least all of the pieces that might have my information on it. I got every piece of that paper!<br />
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It was so important to me to find that paper because several years ago someone had gotten hold of my checking account number and drivers license and wrote checks against my account. I didn't want that to happen again. <br />
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This is why I MUST get one of those Road ID bracelets.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-16493012579168091672010-07-10T22:15:00.001-05:002010-07-10T22:17:39.976-05:00Making Habits is Difficult<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"We first make our habits, and then our habits make us." </div><div style="text-align: center;"> - John Dryden</div><br />
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I haven't blogged for a few weeks because I really haven't had much to blog about and because I was putting in a lot of hours working. I have been participating in the training program I mentioned in my last post and it's been great. However, for some reason, maybe because I was working so much, or maybe I'm just a slug (to be honest, I'm sure it's both,) I didn't run at all in between the training days. <br />
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I did pretty good though during those training sessions. But, they did start out running one minute and walking four and each week adds a minute of running and decreases the minutes of walking. Last week the intervals were three/two, it was hot and I was having a little bit of difficulty with the breathing part at first but still completed the training.<br />
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Once a month the women's running group gets together for a run and pot luck dinner at a member’s house. Last week we did our training group at one of the member’s house that lives at a lake, so we ran around the lake and afterwards ate great food, drank wine and had great conversations. I didn't drink any wine, I felt like I needed to stick to just water. It was a great time.<br />
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I had the workouts set up on my Garmin, so I had to announce to everyone when to run and when to walk. I also scheduled the workouts for Wednesday (training with the group), Friday and Monday. I know I have to run throughout the week if I want to be able to keep up with the group and run the 5k on September 6th.<br />
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However, I didn't run Friday. I left work early feeling sick, almost like bronchitis was starting up again. I got home and slept and took it easy all night. So, I did my run this evening. I feel so much better. It was tiring and a bit warm (it was 86 degrees) but there was a nice breeze as I ran and walked around the lake.<br />
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Next Wednesday, the training intervals are run for four minutes, walk one. I've never been able to run longer than 'almost' four minutes. I'm a little concerned about being able to do it. I know that I have to run more between the training sessions. I know that I have to make it a habit, and so far, I haven't been able to do that. I don't know why.<br />
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I came across the quote above just a few minutes before writing this blog and it really hit home. I must make running a habit if I'm going to succeed at running the 5K in September, if I'm going to succeed at being a runner. <br />
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I really want to succeed.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-40934502747036325872010-06-20T13:36:00.000-05:002010-06-20T13:36:24.168-05:00Get Back on TrackIt's been about three weeks since my last post. I haven't run or even attempted to run or do any type of exercise, unless you count mowing my grass yesterday (after a week and a half) as exercise. I even cheated on that; I bought a new self-propelled mower so that was pretty easy. <br />
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I'm not sure why, but after being out of town for three days for my brother-in-law's funeral then immediately flying to Orlando for a work conference for another five days, I felt totally exhausted. The evening I got back I was in bed by 6:00 P.M., just an hour after walking through my door. The next three days were pretty much the same, in bed very early. I didn't even have the motivation to read my favorite blogs.<br />
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This past week was different; I didn't get home until after 8:00 every night. Work has been very hectic and stressful. I'm not liking my job much right now. I haven't been able to take much time off for the past year and it's getting to me. Getting time off for the funeral was difficult.<br />
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Anyway, I haven't been able to run with the running group for the last three Wednesdays. That was a real bummer because it was really getting me motivated to run more. So, once again, I've slipped back into my couch potato life - but only temporarily. <br />
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This morning I planned to get out early and walk for a few miles but Mother Nature had other plans. It rained all day. I know I could have jumped on the treadmill but decided to get caught up on reading blogs. I'm glad I did. Reading about everyone's running and racing has helped give me a nice little kick in the butt. <br />
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The rain has stopped and it looks like the dark clouds are moving out so I'm going to put my painted toes into my running shoes and get out at least for a walk. Heck, I'm feeling better already, I may just break out into a slow run!<br />
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Oh yeah, my running group is starting a Step Into Running training program for women and children this Wednesday and I'm definitely participating in it. It lasts for 11 weeks and helps to prepare the participants to run the Go Girl Run 5K on Labor Day. That will be my first 5K!<br />
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The motivation is coming back!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-19755611255188443202010-05-31T16:24:00.000-05:002010-05-31T16:24:57.758-05:00I Have a Heavy HeartMy brother-in-law, whom I have known since I was about 9, lost his battle with lung cancer on Saturday. He put up a brave front and fought a good fight, but his body grew weary and weak from the chemo and radiation. My sister wasn’t ready to let him go and is having a very difficult time.<br />
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He and my sister had been together since they were about 15 years old. Our families became close friends. They moved with his family to another state and eventually my family moved to the same city and state (except for me and another sister, we were both married by then). <br />
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He was a great guy (a bit annoying at times when I was a teenager) and a great husband and father to their three kids. He wasn’t the most ambitious man but spent a lot of time with his family. He especially loved to fish, putz around on their son’s farm and play with his grandkids.<br />
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Last March we had a gigantic family reunion/birthday party for him. He has a large family and mine is too, so we had a lot of people there. We all knew he wouldn’t live through the summer so it was really a celebration of his life. My daughter, the photographer, took lots of pictures for us. <br />
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At his request there won’t be a viewing before the service. He wanted to be cremated and have a small service where everyone is to wear their most comfy jeans and t-shirts. A bonfire will be lit at their son’s farm that evening in his memory. <br />
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I’m trying to get some priority projects at work up to a point for others to take over so I can leave tomorrow to be with my family. The problem for me is the service isn’t until Friday but I have to be back in town to catch a plane on Saturday morning to go to a conference. I won’t be able to attend the service or bonfire and feel a little bummed about it. <br />
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So this is my tribute to Johnny - a simple man who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life leaving this world his way … simply.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-13946625331523525552010-05-29T07:29:00.006-05:002010-05-29T07:37:12.602-05:00The Versatile Blogger AwardWow! I’ve received my first blogger award – The Versatile Blogger! I’d like to thank my manager, my agent, my producer – but I especially want to thank AJH at <a href="http://wwwagegroupsrock.blogspot.com/">Age Groups Rock</a> for bestowing this award on me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcToseUpk6bEXdtTa6dNcl6tR_h_jxRrzxHFsmIYIJEWTGuodl9KyGE9tu38GPmJTFH7tMG5rgp5Dls6J4AxwHzKo_RifePvDiGvYdWFKXCjFFlTQ7ItJr5gN44eNgqS0Mg_c43L8gPB4/s1600/versatile+blogger+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcToseUpk6bEXdtTa6dNcl6tR_h_jxRrzxHFsmIYIJEWTGuodl9KyGE9tu38GPmJTFH7tMG5rgp5Dls6J4AxwHzKo_RifePvDiGvYdWFKXCjFFlTQ7ItJr5gN44eNgqS0Mg_c43L8gPB4/s320/versatile+blogger+award.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My first thought was “how on earth am I going to think of seven tidbits about myself that would be of interest to all of you”. Then I realized they don’t have to be profound, or intense or even humorous. They just have to be – me.<br />
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Seven things about me:<br />
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1. I went to Jamaica for eight days a few years ago for my daughter’s wedding. I actually came home with a tan! I’m fair skinned, so I always burn. I loved Jamaica!<br />
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2. I love hiking. Last Sunday I went on a two hour hike with one of the local hiking groups in my town. The trail we took is listed as difficult. It had a lot of steep hills and a lot of ticks. The temperature was 85 degrees. The heat and hike pretty much wiped me out for the rest of the day. <br />
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3. I bought my grandson all of the Harry Potter books and videos. I have to confess, I bought myself a set too. I really enjoyed that series.<br />
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4. I love music from the 1940’s (Dean Martin, Glenn Miller and his orchestra) up through current(Nickelback, Lady GaGa). I frequently switch between radio stations when I’m in my car.<br />
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5. I took ballroom, country and swing dance lessons many years ago. And I’m still looking for a guy that can dance!<br />
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6. I bought my first house a year ago at the age of 53. I did own a house with my ex, but we’ve been divorced for almost thirty years, so I’m considered a first time home owner.<br />
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7. I love sitting on my deck in the evening as it gets dark, listening to the different bird sounds, the hum of traffic in the distance and the water flowing in the creek behind my house while the insects dive-bomb my computer screen (which is what they’re doing right now) .<br />
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I’m suppose to present this award to other new (or not so new) bloggers. But, since I’m pretty new myself and so far most, if not all, of the bloggers I follow have been blogging for quite a while and already have this award, I don’t know who to pass it on to. <br />
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Now for my running update since my last run with the running group. Here’s a brief synopsis of my week – I ran some, hiked once, mowed a few times (hard work!) and worked lots. <br />
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Wednesday night I ran with the group again and once more I had a great time. This time I brought Little Red (my Garmin) with me so I was the time keeper. The only problem was I had the workout set up for a total of 30 minutes but we weren’t back at the starting point by then so I just hit the lap counter and went for another 10 minutes for a total of almost four miles. We’re the newby slow runners, so it definitely takes us longer to go out and back, but everyone waits for us to return and we just hang around and chat for a while. It’s a really great time.<br />
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Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-90946179527218194162010-05-19T22:32:00.003-05:002010-05-19T22:36:17.191-05:00A Slight Set-back, Bifocal Contacts and ... A Running Group!In my last post I told you I had set up a running schedule beginning that day (Sunday). I did run that day and on Monday I decided I needed to get more exercise, not just by running so I did level 1 of the 30 Day Shred (Jillian Michaels). On Tuesday I could tell I was headed for another bout of bronchitis so I was put on another round of antibiotics and had to put my training schedule on hold. Luckily, I caught it early and am feeling much better. However, I just couldn’t get myself motivated to start up again. <br />
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But, last Thursday I received an email from a female member of the local running group. I had joined the group last January and decided to watch a 5k race a few weeks later. Since I was so new to running, I didn’t participate in any events or even watch any more races. <br />
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There are several groups of members that get together on various days of the week to just run. One of the groups is strictly for women. They meet on the first Wednesday of the month at a member’s house for a 30 minute run and pot luck dinner. They alternate hosting the pot luck each month between the members. I never attended because I knew I couldn’t run for a full 30 minutes yet or even run as fast as they can. They also meet at a particular trail all the other Wednesdays to just run. Another new female member, also a newbie runner, was looking for other newbies to run with on the Wednesday trail run. I had totally forgotten about that women’s group until I received that email. I got so excited and replied back that I would love to join the group at the trail and run with her. Several other women, also new to running, responded as well. I couldn’t wait for my working day to end today. I left work at 5:00 instead of working late as I usually do.<br />
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There were four of us new runners and ten or twelve other women that run at various paces. Some ran five miles (2.5 out and 2.5 back); some ran 2.5 miles (out and back for a total of 2.5). We newbies ran 3 miles (1.5 out, 1.5 back). Of course, we did the walk/run intervals. <br />
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The woman that sent out the email also brought her 29 year daughter who is a runner. She was great! She wanted to run with her mom so she timed our walk/runs. After a five minute warm up walk, we ran for three minutes/walked one minute. Then we ran one/walked one. The rest of the intervals were run 2/walk 1. I had a few tough moments where I felt like stopping and just walking, but I thought about all of you, how you push yourselves to not quite by using self-talk. So, I just told myself I could do it, if I keep going this time, the next time will be just a bit easier. Afterward I felt great! The weather was really nice. There was a nice coolish breeze that felt so good during our cool down. <br />
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I had an awesome time. It was great having someone to run with and can’t wait for next Wednesday’s group run. I feel more motivated to continue my running schedule in between Wednesdays. I’m sure I’ll notice some improvement, however small, by next week.<br />
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Oh yeah, I ditched my bifocal glasses for bifocal contacts. I couldn’t understand how contacts could be bifocal and was a bit apprehensive, but I’m so glad I did it. I hate wearing glasses and the contacts work great. <br />
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Happy running everyone!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-37549422241739883322010-05-09T21:42:00.002-05:002010-05-09T21:47:45.368-05:00Happy Mother's Day and Goal SettingHappy Mother's Day to all of the Moms out in the running blogsphere. I hope you all had a nice day. I had a nice Mother's Day weekend. Yesterday my two daughters and I got a spa pedicure while drinking a white chocolate something-or-other with soy from Scooters Coffeehouse. It was a bit decadent and very good. Today D2 and her family took me to brunch. We went to Le Peep Restaurant. It was packed! They told us we would have a 20 minute wait. After waiting for 40 minutes, I inquired whether they still had our name on their list. They said it would be another 10 minutes. We were seated after waiting (and mostly standing) for 75 minutes! We knew it would actually be longer than 20 minutes, but not 75! And they were still packed with people waiting to be seated when we left.<br />
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Well, I have finally set up a running schedule to complete the C25K training program that I started a few months ago. For one reason or another (or no reason at all) I never went further than completing week two before just stopping. Yesterday, I hooked up my Garmin to my computer and scheduled each run on the Training Center software that came with it. I was surprised at how easy it was to set up the training program and download it to my Garmin. <br />
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I set up the Training Center to begin with Week 3 Day 1 beginning today and continuing every other day. I know it seems a bit ambitious (for me) but I have a goal to run a 5k sometime around late July or early August. I want to have completed the C25K program and have about a month to build up my endurance and distance. The program trains you to run for time (30 minutes) not distance and I’m not sure that I’ll be running a 5k distance when I complete it.<br />
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Today I ran Week 3 Day 1 om the treadmill and feel I did pretty well. The only problem was the Garmin kept beeping at me to go faster, even during the warm up. I kept increasing the speed hoping the beeping would stop (it was quite annoying) until I felt a straining feeling in my right leg. I decided to back off the speed and just tolerate the beeping. I need to figure out if the target speed for each pace zone can be adjusted. <br />
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I found a race that I would like to run but it’s being held on July 10th and I’m not sure I’ll be ready by then. I have until Jun 30th to register so I should know by then how I feel I’m progressing. I also asked my daughters to run a 5k with me. They were a bit surprised I’m interested in racing but were very supportive and happy to join me on my first race. I feel more excited and motivated to run now!<br />
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Congratulations to everyone that raced today. Especially Anne (Asthma and The Gift of Running)! She ran her first race today – a 10k! She’s such an inspiration!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-11991848991675589452010-05-02T22:37:00.001-05:002010-05-02T22:42:31.165-05:00A Very Good Weekend and Renewed OutlookThis has been a pretty good weekend for me. I didn't work (shh, don't tell anyone) or wallow alone at home in a funk. I got myself outside in the sunshine and fresh air. I even got some exercise. <br />
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About mid-morning Saturday I decided it was time to dig up the five bushes that line my walkway. If you want to experience some hard physical work or get out some pent up aggression, just try chopping at the roots of some thorny bushes! I managed to get at least one yanked from its stronghold under my sidewalk and at least got the dirt dug out around the rest before having to leave for a few hours. Thankfully, daughter #2 (D2) and son-in-law decided to surprise me and pulled the rest out with their old jeep while I was gone. <br />
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Midway through the bushwhacking, daughter #1 (D1) needed a big favor. She had an unexpected photo shoot and needed someone to watch her two youngest daughters and take one of them to her softball game. So, I put away the shovel and spade, got semi cleaned up and took them to lunch and then to the softball game. It was fun watching 7 & 8 year old girls play softball. It was also fun racing the younger one to the car and back to the ball field.<br />
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After getting back home and seeing that the rest of the bushes had been yanked out, I decided to head out to the state park where D1 and her family had been camping since Thursday. Now, in case you're confused about D1, she has this really bad habit of trying to do too many things at once. She knew her daughters had games on Saturday but took them camping anyway since the campground is only 30 miles away from where we live. But, she got a call on Saturday about a last minute photo shoot from a current client and felt she couldn't/shouldn't pass it up. In the meantime, her husband and oldest daughter stayed with the camper. <br />
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Anyway, D2 and her family went out to the camp ground for a cook out and I decided, after a much needed shower, to venture out there myself. I grabbed my running shoes and Garmin, made a quick stop at the store and surprised everyone. Before dinner, I got the granddaughters to run with me. We just did 1 minute intervals, walk 1/run 1. The girls loved running with me as much as I loved running with them. We only did about six of these, but it felt great. I felt so refreshed! I just couldn't believe it. I contemplated doing another round of intervals, but it got too dark and late and I needed to head home. <br />
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Today I still felt great. A bit sore, but great. After reading some of the blogs that I follow, I ran some errands, did some shopping and met a friend for a movie late this afternoon. She had been wanting to get together for a movie for a few months, but for one reason or another, I kept backing out. But today I decided to heck with everything else (work, laundry, cleaning) and had a really nice time. <br />
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About a week ago, I came across a quote on another blog that really hit home with me so I wrote it down. I believe this woman had heard it from someone else. I can't remember the name of the blog off hand, but when I do, I'll definitely give her the credit for the quote. The quote is - "You have to let go of the life you have to make room for the life you want". The life I want is more calm in my life, good health, closer relationships with family and friends and more positive life experiences. But, if I'm to achieve the life I want, I have to let go of the stresses of work, open myself up more to others and let them get to know me, do what it takes to get and stay healthy and set goals to help me accomplish all of this.<br />
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I have made a pact with myself that, unlike last summer, I will not let work interfere with my ability to enjoy this summer. I will get out of the house more, meet with friends more, go to more of my granddaughter's softball games, hike more, and RUN MORE.<br />
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Who knew that running for six minutes could have such an impact on a person's outlook! It's time to get back in the saddle, in this case the running shoes, again.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-64510942691701230202010-04-25T16:16:00.002-05:002010-04-25T16:17:37.238-05:00A Non-Update UpdateI really don't have anything to update because I haven't run since my last post. I've had some issues, not much health wise, but more work wise. Work has been stressful, causing some anxiety for me. It has kind of drained me and I found myself in a bit of a funk. I know that exercise, running in particular, can help with that, but the motivation just hasn't been there. I've felt so tired that some nights I have actually crawled into bed before it even got dark. It's pretty bad when I stay home from work sick but I spent almost the entire day working! The only time I wasn't working that day was the few hours I was at the doctor's office.<br />
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One positive thing that's happened is that I started the allergy shots. I go twice a week on my lunch break. I'll have to do this for at least ten weeks then once a week for several months. I've only had two injections, but so far so good. <br />
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Even though I haven't felt like posting or running, I've been trying to keep up with all of the bloggers that I follow. If someone mentions another blog, I go check it out too. There are a lot of friendly, knowledgeable people out here in blog land. Some of them make me laugh, others make me cry, but all are inspirational. I just wish I lived closer to some of you; it would be easier to stay motivated, or at least to get back on track. It seems there aren't many bloggers from Nebraska.<br />
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Anyway, here's hoping I get out of this funk soon and find my motivation again.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-49979332126016944152010-04-13T21:41:00.004-05:002010-04-13T21:59:22.278-05:00Just a few questions, if you don't mindI've spent the last several months reading everyone’s great running blogs about your awesome races and intense training programs, looking at the fantastic pictures a lot of you have posted, and even started a running program (for new runners) myself. <br />
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Through your blogs and other running sites I learned the importance of having the right kind of running shoes for my feet and gait (which I bought last fall), found some good references and resources for great running socks, the best type of material for running clothes (even cute running skirts), and read a lot of very valuable reviews and opinions on which Garmin was the best (I just bought the 305 and love it).<br />
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However, the more I run the more questions I have about some things related to running. A few of these things are: <br />
<ul><li>What do you use to keep things in, such as cell phone, personal identification, insurance card, tissues, and car key?</li>
<li>If you carry water with you, how do you carry it?</li>
<li>How do you keep your hair out of your face – you know, after pulling it back into a pony tail and putting a few bobby pins along the sides, there are always those around the face or on top that escape and get right in your eyes.</li>
<li>If running alone, do you carry anything like mace for protection?</li>
<li>How do you manage to take pictures of yourself when out running and how do you carry a camera.</li>
</ul>These questions always cross my mind as I get ready to head out the door for a run so I thought I would just ask all you experts out here in blog land. I hope you don't think I'm a complete dork for asking such trivial questions.<br />
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<div></div>Now for my running report ;-)<br />
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Last Sunday I had entered an interval training program for Week 2 in my Garmin and loved how easy it was to do the intervals and not have to keep track on my watch or wear my MP3 to listen to the program that gives the cues. <br />
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<div></div>Tonight I was all excited to get home from work, head out the door and just hit the start button to begin the intervals. Well, I had forgotten that I was to begin W3D1 of my training tonight and the intervals are different from week 2. I quickly programmed in the correct intervals and headed up the street to the trails at the lake. I had programmed the target speed for a Slow Jog, but it kept beeping at me, displaying that I was going at the speed of a Fast Walk! So I increased my speed until I was doing an <em>actual</em> slow jog. This weeks intervals are suppose to be 90 second run/90 second walk, then a three minute run/three minute walk, two repetitions of each. After the first 90 second run I noticed I had forgotten to enter in the walks between the runs. Bummer! Oh well, I decided to just repeat W2D3 so I would still get the training in. <br />
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<div></div>It was a perfect evening to be out running. Even though it was quite windy, I worked up a nice sweat and I felt great. The best part is my lungs felt really good, no chest tightness at all. Taking up running is proving to be the best thing I could do for myself.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320499342626866336.post-55321323943204562122010-04-11T21:58:00.003-05:002010-04-11T22:43:45.941-05:00It’s True, Running Makes You Feel BetterThis morning I was in a bit of a funk, one that carried over from last week and I did a rambling post about it. Well, shortly after that last post, I decided I needed to get myself out of the house, do a little bit of shopping (in my running attire) for a few items that I need for running (which I didn’t find), get out into the sunshine amongst people, and finish off week two of the running program I’ve been half-heartedly doing. I also needed to test out my new toy/running mate.<br />
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I got myself a Garmin 305! I originally looked at the 405, but decided I couldn’t quite afford another two hundred dollars for it (I’m still paying doctor bills from having pneumonia in February). I’m so glad I bought it. I just programmed in the interval training for W2D3 (run 90 seconds/walk 2 minutes x 6) and off I went. Now I don’t have to listen to the training podcast on my MP3 player to cue me when to run and walk. I really don’t like wearing headphones, I like to hear what’s going on around me. I love the sounds of being outside, hearing people talking, the trees rustling with the breeze, and especially the birds chirping. Besides, I can’t hear people announce when they’re passing me on the trail and I literally jump when they suddenly appear in my peripheral view. <br />
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The Garmin was actually delivered last week on a day that I was feeling really tired and I did something stupid that night. I turned it on to check it out but I was just too tired to focus on it. I put it on the coffee table and went to bed. The next morning, as I was getting ready for work, I heard a funny beeping noise. I realized the source of the beeping was the Garmin. I forgot to turn it off and the battery was low. It has a battery life of 10 hours and had been on for nine! I’m much more careful with it now and keep it on the charger all the time.<br />
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Anyway, the run was great! It was around 70 degrees, very sunny with a slight breeze. Today I went to Lake Zorinsky since I was out that way shopping. The run was challenging because of the small inclines, but not too much. I just kept concentrating on my breathing and, on the last run interval, challenged myself just a little to run a little faster. Afterwards, I felt tired and was breathing hard, but didn’t feel the need to stop and catch my breath. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFOBu5QIEsH8KvUxE8QCgui1188M9f927ccphMnsoX0bdDNC5c3SUkUf0hp9B281k_zi16sPXkXv_UmUmR6C0Fr2eBOg2QJfoPmCpigmYqirSMk1qPuqmDItuHf8rj-F-1uUv3h1az5g/s1600/P1010059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFOBu5QIEsH8KvUxE8QCgui1188M9f927ccphMnsoX0bdDNC5c3SUkUf0hp9B281k_zi16sPXkXv_UmUmR6C0Fr2eBOg2QJfoPmCpigmYqirSMk1qPuqmDItuHf8rj-F-1uUv3h1az5g/s320/P1010059.JPG" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Windsurfers on the lake</span></div><br />
After completing my run, I continued walking for a while and did some people watching. I saw a young couple walking what looked like a small grizzly bear (that’s exactly what the guy said when I asked what kind of dog it was). The young woman holding its leash said it was a Newfoundland. I found an old tree log along the lake shore where I sat and watched some guys windsurfing on the lake and other people running and biking on the trails. It was a very busy place. I felt great and was in a much better mood.<br />
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Yep, running can improve your mood and is a great stress reliever. I need to keep that in mind the next time I feel the blahs coming on.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02883765563769287987noreply@blogger.com2