Speedy Feet Update....

I had my visit to the podiatrist, and turns out I have what is called Morton's Neuroma.  In short, my second and third toe bones are so close together that strenuous activity causes them to aggravate the nerves between the toes, causing a benign nerve tumor.

The Doc was confident that with anti-inflammatories, strategic icing after activity, and some fancy (and expensive) shoe inserts, I would be fine to run my relay, and possibly my upcoming half marathon. If not, he would treat me with cortisone injections right before my race. No fractures, and I didn't have to stop running!

After one run in with my fancy inserts, I developed blisters on the back of my heels because they cause my shoes to fit differently. I didn't have time to break them in slowly, so, I had to forgo the inserts for my 5.5 mile leg of the Akron Marathon relay.

As luck would have it the night before the race I developed bronchitis!! But in true form, and against my Momma's wishes...I pushed through and ran for my team...(ok, and maybe I have a problem admitting defeat!). I even had a 10:14 pace, my average is 9-10, so I was really surprised at that because I felt like I was running in slow motion, and I had a hard time breathing.

The upside? My feet held out for me, and I got my awesome medal. I heart medals!

I visit the foot Doc at the end of the week for my follow up. I am thinking I may need to see him after my half as well, since I won't be able to use the inserts this close to the big race. But I'm more worried about my horrible cough. 

After my half marathon, I'm jet-setting off to Orlando for vacation with one of my oldest friends, where I will celebrate the end of my official race season by drinking large quantities of wine, enjoying Disney (for the first time), the beach, and a week's worth of girl time!

Warrior Dash 2014 - This is the Battleground

I finally got to do the Warrior Dash!!

I signed up at a really cheap price on Cyber Monday this past year and I'm so happy that I did!

I will say, that thankfully all my boot camp classes prepared me for the grueling obstacles! It is "just a 5k" but when you add in all of the things you have to do, it seems like far...far longer!

Not only did I get another medal, achieve something I'd been wanting to do for years, but I reconnected with my childhood BFF via Facebook, and we ran it together with a group of people she knows! I hadn't seen her in almost 30 years, and it was like time had never passed!

Out of all of the obstacles, only one actually scared me...it was walking on a 2x4 that was "cock-eyed" in mud caked shoes, while water is being sprayed on you. I was so afraid to slip and fall that 10 foot drop, but I made it unscathed!

Here's to another medal, another accomplishment, and a reconnection of  a very old friendship that I hope continues!

My race swag

I heart medals!

Only You Can Kick Yourself In The Pants...

There is nothing like jump starting your race training like signing up for a half marathon that you have to run in just four weeks!

I can't pass up a good medal!

I needed to get out of my fitness slump! Sure I attend my boot camp classes 4 days a week, and I've been running here and there short distances, but I was kind of just going through the motions, maintaining.

My first half of 2014 wasn't scheduled until October, so I was taking it pretty easy.

As luck would have it, just four weeks before race day, 50 spots opened up on a half marathon I was interested in, and so....here goes nothing!

I love medals!

I'm back in training mode...which is where I thrive! Two a day workouts? Yes, please! Logging 20+ miles a week? OK!

I'm exhausted, I miss food that is bad for me, hours of netflix on the couch, and wine,  (except for Friday's...those will still be MINE!)  and it feels like all I do is run, shower, go to the gym, shower, prepare my meals, sleep, and start all over.... but this is the kind of stuff that makes me tick!

I successfully made it through my first week of kicking processed foods again, and while I sometimes feel like yelling at people for being able to eat what I can't...I know that in another week, I won't even miss it!

I missed race season more than I thought I would. I think I'm officially a runner!

A Christmas Story...RUN!

You know the movie, you either love it, or hate it. I happen to love it.

I also do not live not very far from the actual house that the movie was filmed in.

So, it's not time to hang up those race shoes just yet....there's one more this weekend!

 Christmas Story Run. 

You get to run to the Christmas Story house.  You also get free admission to tour the house, a long sleeve leg lamp shirt, rich, chocolate ovaltine, a viewing of the movie on public square, and the opportunity to win your very own LEG LAMP!

But the major award is the medal!

Best Medal...EVER!

Animal Woes, and a New Medal!!

My Mr. Magoo, the wonder dog had oral surgery on Monday. When I adopted him, he didn't have a lot of teeth. Then, two years ago, he had 10 teeth pulled. This time? He had 6 pulled.

Now, he has 7 teeth left in his mouth. Three are up front, and he has no molars left.

Magoo says "I don't have many teeth, but this one is my favorite"

I took Monday off expecting to keep an eye on him after surgery, and be back to work without a hitch on Tuesday. When he had 10 teeth pulled, he was his old self the next day. 

But he never stopped bleeding. A little is normal, but little turned into a lot (don't look if you are squeamish)

This is only a portion of the bleeding. 

I was torn whether I should pay the $150 walk in emergency fee, plus services, or chance it til morning for a re-check at his regular vet. I had just shelled out $300 for surgery, not to mention all my cat expenses as of late. I didn't sleep, going back and forth about what to do.

Since it wasn't gushing blood, I waited it out. First thing in the morning he was back at the vet. They took one look in his mouth and said..."yea, that's a lot of bleeding"...and whisked him away to the back room. I heard him crying while they were investigating his mouth...it broke my heart, and made me cry. 

They had to keep him all day, while I went back to work, and I was thankful for the distraction. 

He lost the stitches in one of his molars. They had to put him back under anesthesia again and stitch it up. 

The happy news is, that he is now peacefully sleeping at my feet on his way back to his silly self. The bleeding has stopped, but now he has a cough. Turns out that being intubated two days in a row can cause that. 

I'm thankful that he is doing better. And I have no idea how human Moms can cope with this stuff, it's hard enough with the fur kids. Reason 867,965,321 not to have kids. 

In other news? 

I did the buckeye half marathon (as a relay so just over 6 miles) in the freezing cold (34 degrees), and my lungs still hurt.

We finished at just under an 11 minute mile, which is sweet! 

Mr. Magoo kept photo bombing my race swag. He wanted to be included!

The best part? My medal is shaped like Ohio..and what is cooler than that?

My happiest part of the weekend was, I had a piece of pizza at my Halloween party. And...it was everything that I remembered it could be. If I were God, pizza would be healthy. And we could eat it every day!

Virginia Beach Rock n' Roll Half Marathon...

I am home from the amazing high that vacation brings!

The convention before the race was exciting! I entered a contest, and won a spot on the Geico race team...which just meant that if I wore their swag for the race, I'd get a free massage afterwards. I didn't wind up doing it, and I also didn't see one person wearing any of those bright green gecko shirts. But I have a cute running shirt for around town now!

Me and sis got this sweet milk mustache pic at the convention

And then, it was RACE DAY!

I was ready to go!

We set our alarms for 4 am. My sister couldn't believe it. She has never gone to a race, let alone a big one! we got up early so we could drive a bit out of the way to take a shuttle to the start line, so we didn't have to worry about walking or parking, which wound up being the best decision ever.

It was so nice to have my sister there with me for the experience, I usually race alone, and having someone with you just enhances your experience.

getting into the zone before the start..

The temperature was 92 and humid. Don't ask me what the heat index was, probably over 100. I hadn't trained in that sort of heat, and I was worried about it. I was also concerned that I hadn't pooped. I dunno about you, but more than running 13.1 miles, the idea of running full of poo scares me way more. I don't think non-runners understand the importance of a bowel movement. Everyone thinks it is a joke, but it is very real. 

My pace group taking off!

We had a wave start, which was a first for me. Usually the fast people get the fanfare, and the rest of us walk slowly til we reach the start line. I liked this change, because we all got the countdown, and it was not as congested when we took off. 

The first 5 miles were cake. It was all along Atlantic Avenue, so we could sneak a peek at the ocean in between hotels. The sunrise glistening on the ocean, along with all the supporters, and bands was so motivating, it was beautiful! 

Then the first hill, a bridge over Rudee's Inlet. 

For someone who trains flat, this is daunting. So, I walked it. I was doing good at around an 11mm pace, and I was afraid of my time, but I had to keep in mind, finishing was my goal. 

That's about the time the heat really hit home. I took advantage of every water and gator aid station, as well as my own water I had in my belt. I bought a cooling bandana, so I got it wet and started to try to cool off my neck and face.

Hearing all the sirens, and seeing all of the "downed runners" along the road, reminded me that my goal was finishing. I didn't need to break any PR's this time. It was HOT!

Mile 8. It. Was. Hot. My face was on FIRE. There were a lot of people outside their houses with hoses, and sprinklers. A few volunteer groups with rags soaked in ice water. (heaven!!) I just thought, I'm over halfway there. The rest is a breeze!

We ran through the naval aquatic base, which was awesome because I thought there would be some men in uniform.. and I didn't want to look like a wuss. They had pitchers of water to refill our water bottles, and pots and pans full of ice cubes! I grabbed some, and thanked them profusely, and wrapped the ice in my bandanna and used it to try to cool my face and neck. 

Getting back to pace is a struggle. I slowed down. 

Mile 10. ONLY 3 MORE MILES!!  There were some people on bikes that rode along us for a while, and as they said "if you can run 10 miles, you can run 3". Yes. This is true! 

But mile 10 is around the time that my being hot turned into being cold. I got goosebumps, and seeing that it was ridiculous hot, I knew it wasn't a good sign. I had to stop worrying about my pace, and focus on the finish.

Luckily there were a few cooling buses along the route, and one was just up ahead. I veered off and spent a few minutes inside an air conditioned bus stretching and reading inspiring texts from my friends that urged me to keep going!

I got back out on the course, and was faced with that bridge again, which I walked. At the end of the bridge was the boardwalk. The final 2 miles, all along the ocean. 

Amazing! 

I crossed the finish with all my wits about me. A lot of pain in my hamstrings, exhausted, covered in sweat, and right my ankle was killing me, but I didn't stop. And I didn't push past my limits to prove anything, and I finished strong. 

Finishing at the beach=awesome! Third half under my belt=priceless!

My official time was 2:57. My run keeper time was 2:52, which I stopped when I got on the cooling bus, and should have stopped when I took a potty break..But under 3 hours was my ultimate goal this time, and I squeaked by! I had a 2:20 my last half, but I'm happy to have finished this one on my own two feet!

I spent the rest of the day doing this...

By the way, did you see my bling? A sparkly starfish? Priceless!

This was a great race, a great course, and so well executed! I'm already considering centering my next year's vacation around running it again! 

The Time is Near...

I haven't taken a weeks vacation in a couple of years. I've had long weekends, days here and there, but an entire week without the stresses of work? 

I think I hear angels singing! 

I'm not worrying about my half marathon, vacation is about relaxing! It's my third, and I don't have to break any records! I bought a cute new outfit, and a cooling cloth, so I'm good to go! The temp may be predicted as 87 on my race day, but I'll be finished before high noon, so who cares! I just remind myself that I did my first half at a heat index of 105...I'm hoping the ocean breeze will come into play!

My sister lives a mere 1.3 miles from the beach. That's full of awesome!! 

I will have an entire week of R&R. Lounging in the pool,  sweating it out at the beach. Having lots of sister time, and laughing is my #1 priority.

We will also get to take in a few great bands (we haven't decided which ones yet) that will be set up on the beach since it is the Rock n' Roll half marathon, after all! 

The only downside is that to avoid baggage fees, I'm checking a carry on size bag and taking a carry on. The stress of only taking what I need is really getting to me. Plus, I don't have room to steal things I really like from my Sister's house, which is kind of a tradition in our family.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend! I know that I will!

Feeling Like a Real Runner...

Why do cats enjoy your smelly shoes?...

In adding to my pre race fears, my body has felt like complete shit this past few weeks.

My feet, and my knees have just started to seriously hurt. Not the usual, I've been running more, so of course I'll experience some discomfort. I mean, just walking kills my knees, stairs are the worst, and my toes have been feeling numb on runs, and ache constantly.

Knowing my body, I knew that it was unusual to experience this onset of pain, and I pinpointed it to the purchase of my last pair of running shoes.

I was dreading long runs, so..I finally bit the bullet...er, I mean credit card, and went off to my local running specialty store for an evaluation.

I knew I wouldn't be paying $60-$70 bucks for shoes, which I am use to. Frugal me hated the thought. After all, I have already shelled out a pretty penny for the race, and my plane ticket, and my fun money.

But the me that wants to not cause permanent damage to my body, and finish my half marathon, said "go for it, mastercard don't mind, and you are worth it".

First things first. My running shoes...are not even running shoes.

Upon evaluation of me, it was decided that I over pronate. This caused my big and second toes pain, because they were doing all the work, and the shoes I was wearing did not stabilize them properly.

I'd have never run around like that in a department store, I'd likely wind up on YouTube. At a specialty store, you feel right at home with all the other running "nerds".

They told me that the store is the "Cheers" for runners, and to come in any time to talk about running.

After my consultation, I left with a new pair of shoes that felt like I was running on clouds. I instantly had to test them out, even though I had gone to the store after my trip to the gym.

I'm so attached to them, that they will be boarding the plane with me vs. riding in the underbelly with all that low-class luggage.

Pre-Race Jitters? I Got This...

I'm not the least bit worried about my upcoming half marathon in Virginia Beach in 16 days.

But that kind of worries me.

I haven't been putting miles in like I should be.

Especially outdoor miles.

But this ain't my first rodeo, it's my third. 

But what I'm doing differently this time is I'm more cross-trained. I do my boot camps, and my short runs (ok, mostly indoors...) but I'm not following a training schedule like I did with my last two half's.

People are trying to scare me. Trying to psyche me out.  Asking me all sorts of questions about being ready because I haven't been doing all the miles.

I have come to dismiss these people's worries because they have never run a half marathon before.

I mean, where is their licence in running? I know what to expect. I know it's hard. I know it will be painful.

But then, I have never been in business to be the fastest, my enjoyment of running a half comes from running the 13.1 consecutive miles and finishing.

It's about the experience of the race, the enjoyment of every mile run, and the (cute and sparkly starfish) medal I receive at the end.

In closing, don't let other people squash your dreams. No one knows your potential but you. People who could never accomplish what you can, will try to psyche you out.

Prove them wrong.

Press on.

Live your dream, and enjoy the feeling you have when you finally accomplish your goal!

For me, in the end...I get to spend a week with my sister, having quality time, and enjoying the sand and sun... and my running a half marathon is just the icing on the cake!

My Fitness Journey Video....

I've only been working on completing a video on my weight loss and starting to run,  for close to a year.

I have changed it so many times that I finally had to just ask myself if "self, do you think you are making the next Titanic, or a stupid youtube video".

 When I need inspiration, I love to look for inspiring weight loss, or fitness videos online. Knowing so many other people have made such changes in their own lives always inspires me to keep going.

So if I can inspire just one person, like so many have done for me, all the hours I spent making this less-than-stellar video will have been well spent.

The Challenge is Over...But My Journey is Lifelong...

My 24 day challenge is over. My trainer was just as bummed as me today, she said she swears she will find a way for me to keep taking personal classes with her. She told me I did great, and I look great, and I am so going to miss her!

What I gained out of this short span of really kicking my own ass, is the reassurance that my limits really are all MENTAL. Your body will do whatever you tell it to do, as long as you tell it that it can.

Did I win? I won't know for another 24 days. The participants were staggered, and when I was at the gym yesterday (yes, I was at the gym on EASTER) someone new was just signing up.

Whether or not I win, my personal victory is priceless!

My results:

Pounds lost: 5
Fat lost: 3.5% (my goal was 2% to get back into the "average" fat range, so I beat my goal!!)
BMI lost: 1%
% of Body Weight Down: .3%
Inches: mainly in the arms the only ones worth mentioning, is half an inch per arm.
Pants: down a size, back to my fighting weight!

My most cherished accomplishments, are with the strength and endurance that I gained in just 24 days!

I can do 20 "girl push ups" all the way down, and up when I could barely do 10 half-assed ones 24 days ago.

I can hold a low plank for 2 minutes when at the start, I crapped out at 30 seconds.

I can run consistently for 30 minutes at a 6.5 pace, giving me an over 3 mile run in that time, when before that  a 6.5 speed was a "minute only" sprint.

I can lift 15 lb weights for my arm sets, when 8 lbs. use to be torture.

Perspective?

Yea, this was me....

There was a time when I was well on my way to 300 lbs. All I did was sleep. And eat. And wake up from sleep to eat and then go back to sleep.

And then I walked. Then I walked longer. Then I walked faster. Then I walked even faster still.  Then I jogged short distances, and then I joined a boot camp and finally stopped "working out to eat" so I lost more weight, and then I did 5k races, and then I ran 3 half marathons. The first medal made me want more. The sense of accomplishment, was intoxicating.

The more I challenged myself, the more I surprised myself. And then I got complacent, and stopped stepping up my game.

While I await the final results, I will do my best to keep up the intensity of what I learned from my trainer. I found a website It's called bodyrock.tv, and if you want results, you should check it out!

And I also downloaded a HIIT app to my phone and programmed all the classes I could remember so I could continue pushing myself to my limits.

I lost my mojo for a few months, but now I'm back! And I had forgotten how amazing it feels to achieve things you didn't think you could, because I thought I had reached a plateau, and instead of pushing thru, I stayed there and let it try to beat me.

Now, excuse me while I have two glasses of wine, and enjoy the Easter apple crisp my Momma made, that I waited until post weigh in to enjoy!

Running the Shamrock...2013 Race Season Starts!...

This St. Patties day, I did not partake in any celebratory drinking. No green beer. No bar. Not a single glass of wine. But, it was all for good reason... I had a race to prepare for, and a medal to earn!

Instead, I spent my Saturday drinking water like it was my job, sticking to my "diet", and watching "Frankenweenie". (cute movie btw)

The course was described as "challenging, hilly, our hardest course". Normally, I like to stick to "easy" and "flat".

I was a bit worried about my performance, because I have been killing myself in the gym every day, and I usually like to take a few days off before a race. But I have a schedule, and I stuck to all my training.

And have I mentioned, I don't train on hills?

Plus this guy knew I could do it...

It was indeed, challenging. I had anticipated on a normal 9 miles, to finish in an hour and a half. This one, I thought, as long as I'm not over 2 hours, I'll feel great about it. 

You don't understand this disclaimer, until after you run the course. But damn, it makes you feel good when you do!

The hills? They were massive. And never ending. The best surprise was at the bottom of the worst/longest 2 mile hill, (that was so wind-ey and steep you couldn't see an end, so I kept my eyes down) when my BFF came bounding out from the trees to run with me!!

She came to run the hardest part with me! If it weren't for her I'd have walked the whole thing and felt defeated. It was so full of awesome!

When she left me just past the crest, I had just 3 miles to go. And as we like to say...Anyone can run 3 miles!

Those miles that she assured me were "easy"? Were mostly hills as well. Just when you got to the top of a hill, you had a slightly smaller hill, until... another hill!

About a mile and a half later I saw a girl bringing me water at a water station, that I was going to pass...(I don't wear my glasses/contacts running) and it was her again!! Telling me to "kick its' ass!!" 

Then, at the finish? She was there again to yell my name, and to tell me to pick it up and finish strong!

A good friend, might come to cheer you on, but a best friend will come and run "bandit" with you so that you don't give up!

And given that I have NEVER had any race support on any of my races, it meant the world to me!!

Did I mention it was a blustery 32 degrees, wet, and snowy? 

In the end, I  finished at 1:45:27. A 11.19 minute mile. I can run a flat 15k in an hour and a half, so I expected to finish at 2 hours, due to the course. I outran my anticipated time, which is a win to me!!

Last season, I couldn't have done it. I would have finished far slower! I would have walked all the hills vs. at the very least, slow jogging 99% of them. All the extra training I have put in, is actually working! 

Whoda thunk?

Since I burned over 1,100 calories just from my run, and stayed away from alcohol, I treated myself to a non-24 day challenge treat of a chicken pot pie from my favorite grocery store. And I loved every.. last... tidbit!

So, what did you do this St. Patty's day?

Cupid's Undie Run..CLEVELAND!

Let's face it, runners are awesome. We like to do something, and we get to raise money doing it! We over doubled the $50,000 goal for our city to benefit children's tumor research. Go, Cleveland!

We made the news!

I've done a lot of runs, some serious, some fun. And this one was really well organized. There were a ton of photographers, plenty of staff to answer questions, easy bag drops/pick up, free parking, pre and post race party in a heated tent, and, of course, lots of alcohol available to get you nice and "warm" before running in 28 degree weather in your skiivies!

 

Best race swag ever! T-shirt, bag and goodies came with registration, skiivies were for hitting a fund raising goal.

 

 

The best part about only running one "mile-ish" is we did it in 8 minutes. My long runs are at about 11 minute miles. So, not only did I have a blast, help kids, and spend a fun day with my friends, I got to say I ran an 8 minute mile!

 

If this race comes to your city GO! It is so much fun! The people that gathered on the streets to cheer us on were the best! We were like a mobile running party, everyone was having a great time, and I only wish it were longer. Except, my legs were numb at the end of the run...so it wouldn't be a good idea!

 

Of course, our hilight was the firemen in their firemen underwear, and firemen hats, running with their fire hose. You gotta love a man in uniform...even if they are out of it.

 

And, I won't lie, you can't be packed in a group of 800+ people without checking out all the guys' packages in their underwear. It made me giggle like a school girl!

 

It's all for a good cause! Anyone can run (or walk) a mile...so, do it!



Underwear + Chilling Temperatures=Charity!

 

My first "official" run of the season isn't until the Shamrock 15k in March, but what better way to have a good time, than a winter undie run?

It's been in the single digits, with negative teen wind chills here in Northeast Ohio this past week.

But still, I'm going to be doing the Cupid's Undie Run Valentine's weekend in Cleveland. It doesn't really qualify as a race, because it is just a mile, but according to this video, it is going to be a blast!




I've already raised some money, and hit the "free underwear" mark.

Any time you can get out and be active with friends is a good time!

Any of my local peeps going to run? I'm sure the after parties will be a blast!

Don't Go For Second Best, Baby...

One of the exciting parts of races is getting your race shirt!

I did it! I ran another 13.1 miles! Despite a bathroom mishap,  I was so pleasantly suprised at how well I felt throughout, for over half of it!  I had to get up at 5, and leave by 6, so I could sit at the site for an hour and a half before race time. That has to be the worst part about races. Hurry up and wait.

It was barely 40 degrees. Ummm..brrrr....

This was a shared route, so we looped back, meaning you were suppose to stay single file unless you were passing. This helped me because I would speed up to pass people, and then I'd feel bad if I fell back to a slow pace, so I kept up quicker than I normally would on a long run.

Around mile 9 I was on top of the world! I felt great!  If I got to mile 10 by 10am (just short of 2 hours from start time), I had 55 minutes to run a measely 3 miles, and totally beat my first half marathon time! Anyone can run 3 miles in less than 55 minutes!!!!!

But then mile 10 came.

Out of nowhere, I had to go to the bathroom so bad. I knew there were no port o lets until the finish because I am an avid course map studier!

This was a #2 need, not a #1. It was pretty awful!  There as no stopping it! It would have been a "bridesmaids moment"!!!

It made me nauseus to the point that I had to stop running, I had to walk, and  tried to tell myself "it will pass" over and over. But it didn't pass! If I walked the last couple miles I would not beat my time! I was doing so good, and this stupid thing would not stop me!! I had no choice.

So I did what any self respecting runner would do, I started scanning the woods off the trail for a somewhat private spot, then went off road to expel the evil inside of me that was wreaking havoc on my intestines!!!

 I was then covered in pricker scratches all up and down both legs. OUCH!



 The lesson here is not to have greek yogurt with your eggs before a half marathon

Then I  somewhat ran the last two miles after my stop.  I do not do well with "breaks" once I stop running, the pain sets in and I have a hard time getting back to pace.  

The impromptu break aside, I still managed to beat my first half marathon time!!

First go-round I finished 2:55, at a 13.3 minute mile. . This race was  2:35 at an  11.45 minute mile!!

I shaved off way more than I thought I could, and it inspires me for next season!! (unless I find a taker in a 2 man half marathon relay later this month!!)

Another medal for the collection...I heart these!!

I think a good finish time justifies a poo in the woods any day of the week. But...that's just me!!

In the end, any time you do something you never thought you could, it's a win! Set your goals high and go for them! I never thought in a billion years I could do a half marathon, and now I have done two!







Race Season is Coming to an End...

This weekend is my last race of the season.

By last race, I mean one where I will receive a medal, and it will be a challenge. I'm doing the Towpath half marthon. I'm still trying to get people to get on board with a turkey trot, or a NYE 5k..or even a Zombie 5k for halloween, but I don't consider these "official races".

I only aspire to beat my May half marathon time of 2 hours 56 minutes. While I have not been "on" my training as of late, I am taking into account that my first-ever half was in a 108 heat index...and on the harsh city streets of Cleveland, Ohio.

This race will be in (predicted) a comfortable temperature of 47 degrees, and sunny. Mainly flat. And mostly on a heavenly crushed limestone towpath trail.

Im my beautiful home town...I will get to experience the changing of the leaves, and the crisp fall temperatures! This is my most favorite time of year!

I can't imagine living somewhere that you do not get to experience a "true fall".

 

Or, know what a "lock" is...

Akron Marathon Relay 2.0...

It was maybe 40 degrees this a.m. um...brrrr.....

Ahhh, race day! Who doesn't love a sleepless night, and a 4:30 am wake up call in the bitter cold?

It was a 2 hour wait in the freezing cold until I was "on"!

Sidenote: I'd much rather hop around and stretch constantly to keep my muscles warm, vs. almost die of heat exhaustion any day. (hello, Cleveland marathon with its 108 heat index!)

I was a bit worried about my performance since I was off my training for a while due to illness.



 Mr. Magoo poses with my race shirt and bib. I love our shirts this year!

 

 

Mr. Magoo had the utmost faith in my ability to still race well. Dog's opinions obviously matter.

 

I did ok! I kept it a comfortable jog the whole time until I noticed at the last half mile...which was the bottom of a grand hill......that I had a chance to come in under my goal time and pushed it a bit too fast, and as a result, I had to WALK into the relay exchange, while dry heaving. I sure hope this isn't on film.

 

One day I'll learn not to do that.

 

 

 

 

Getting your medal, is the best part!!



 

 I had an original goal of a 10 minute mile pace. Race day, I had hoped to come in at a 12 minute mile and finish my 7.5 miles in 90 minutes. I actually finished it in 85 minutes, at an 11.3 pace. So I did better than expected.

 

My team which consisted of two of us avid runners, 1 beginner, and two casual runners, finished the 26.2 in 4.5 hours.

 

Not too shabby. And, just as I had expected, it stirred up the race day excitement in them all, and I have some new racing buddies for the future!

 

My beginner, wants to do the half next year, and thanked me for being an awesome workout buddy, and said she couldn't have done it without me. Now I know why people train. It's very satisfying!

 

I told her I will be her training partner, and stay with her thru every step of that half, just like my BFF did for me.

 

Isn't running GREAT?!

 



 

 Yes..the dog really thinks he had a part in this whole thing, so he tried to get in every photo.

 





Racing for Alcohol...

Thus far, I have prided myself on running races for a cause. Stuff that makes me want to do well, because I believe in the cause.

I guess I believe in alcohol??!!

This weekend, I am doing my first "fun 5k", where I'm not concerned with my finish time. I'm doing it with one of my girlfriends who is new to running, and a fellow relay partner on the Akron Marathon.


 I sucked her into it by telling her it is a fun race and we can go slow. When really, I will eventually run ahead of her, only to wait for her at the finish and embaress her by cheering her on! (which she will hate, but secretly love!)

We are probably still running for something  important. (I guess this organization does do good things, but I am not 100% sure what it does, other than benefit my city, so...shout out to the A-K-Rowdy!!)

A 5k followed by a pub crawl....

I'm all about it, two of my favorite things in one event. You can't ask for much more.

My only quandary  is, going out to several bars for fun and drinks and merriment after running 3.1 miles, and being a hot mess!!

Yes...running over 3.1 miles may be my daily routine...but I still sweat profusely! Hell, I am sweating within the first minute of a run. And let's not re-live how I have to use 3 types of expensive deoderant because of my sweaty pit problem!

I wonder what the etiquette is on such an occasion? Will everyone be wearing their disgusting race clothes? Will we care?

I suppose after the first stop, and having a martini or 3, I probably won't care anymore what I look like... but inquiring minds wanna know!

Have you ever done a race followed by a pub crawl?

Racing in the Rain...For the Animals..

This Sunday, was another race day! 

 Our race shirts were super cute, and purple!! I havn't gotten a purple shirt yet!

The day started out humid, but not too hot, slightly overcast, but no ominous storm clouds.

I made my way to my local dog park to run for a local animal rescue. Being the proud Mom of cutest rescue dog in the world....I love this sort of thing!!

Shout out to Mr. Magoo, shown here, co-bathing his cat sister, Fizzgig. (he doesn't know he isn't a cat...shh)

It was so endearing to see all the rescue workers being reunited with the dogs they had fostered, or worked with, and seeing the excitement at how happy they are in their new homes.

There were plenty of doggie pools for the pups to enjoy, along with fun doggie games. Mr. Magoo was not in attendance. (Shih Poo's aren't built for running, they are made for snuggling!)

My only goal for my run was to shave a few seconds off my last 5k time of 30.35. 


About a mile into the run, the skies opened up and gave us a major beating. 

Along with the rain there was thunder. And it was a trail run, that flooded quickly, so there was also the mud  to contend with.



I thought I was doing pretty good, because I switched between full on blind sprinting, to semi-blind walking. 

All in all I finished at 34minutes. I wanted to give up and walk, but I kept on trucking. I can't complain given the circumstances, and the great cause I supported.

Save a life, adopt a pet!!!

She's Crafty...

I havn't made anything in along time...unless you count mixing sweet chardonnay  with sugar free red bull...because that was a pretty sweet creation. Watch out Skinnygirl.

This past weekend I was super excited to put to use some ideas I found on pinterest.

One was putting to use all the wine corks I have. But I need to drink about 20 more bottles of Sutter Home Moscato to complete the project. Sure, I have tons more wine corks, but they were not all symmetrical. You may think this made me reconsider all my wine drinking. But then long ago..I switched to boxed, to avoid the knowledge of how much wine I really consume.

Sure, as far as function goes, it's totally useless, and it just sits on a shelf to collect dust and cat hair, but it looks kinda cool.

The second one was making a few sets of coasters out of my racing bibs! This was so much fun! Now, I can see my accomplishments every day, and it's a great conversation piece!