Moss Park Night Race Friday August 5th, 2011

This was by far the toughest race I have done.  It was super hot, the race started at 8:15 and it got dark while we were out there.  Lots of strange noises in the forest and the way was lighted only by those glow sticks....a bit spooky.  Would have been real easy to get lost if you didn't stay with the pack.  Lots of mosquitoes and spider webs........yuck.... guess I'm not the trail running kind of girl.  Wouldn't have known this if I hadn't tried it.  Did get a nice tee shirt out of it (lol) 

Florida Hospital 5k Race at Orlando Science Center (Augustt 13, 2011)

Liz Langan receiving her trophy!

This race was alot of fun.  Liz and I have been walking together and she wanted to do her first 5k walk.  So, being the good friend that I am (smiles) I decided to do this one with her and encourage her through the race.  It was actually a lot of fun for the 2 of us and there were a lot of hills and the cobblestones were something she wasn't use to.  It was a good walk and she did it in 50 min. which is AWESOME for her first walk.  It was nice to walk the race with her and I was very happy to be a part of her first race.  It's nice to do something to help someone and I hope she will want to do more in the future.  There is another race in September in Casselberry and she is going to have Mike (her husband) walk it with her.......so, looks like we've started something and that's a good positive feeling!   Katy and I got her a little trophy b/c she was so cute about wanting to get an award when she passed the finish line.  It was a good momento for her and she was thrilled with it and had practiced her acceptance speech....LOL  

Run for the Pies! 6-11-11

To date.....this by far was the most fun I've ever had at a racing event.  Could it be because it was an overnight trip?  PROBABLY !!   I went with Katy and Randy and we stayed in downtown Jacksonville.  The race was a night race at 8pm and it was at the Landing!  This was SO MUCH FUN!  I'm still waiting for Randy to send over the pics so I can include them on this blog. 

They had live music which definitely makes me run faster!!  And, there was this huge celebration after the race that just kept going and going.  This was my first out of town race, my first night race, my first "rock band" race, and my first overnight race.  I LOVED it.  Jacksonville is a very cool city downtown and the race took place on the river front.  It was the perfect tone and I'm in every year now from here on out.  Withoug a doubt the best time I have had working up a sweat!    Stayed tuned for pictures.... :)

It's SO Difficult to run in the Florida heat

I'm so glad I started my running adventures back in January when the weather was perfect.  If I had started now, in July I'm not so sure I'd still be here.  Eveything changes when you run in the heat.  EVERYTHING!  I feel like I've hit a brick wall (a fire wall) because the air just does NOT move and the temperature is in the triple digits, and the humidity is off the charts.  If it sounds like I'm whining... I AM!  OMG.... this is a challenge for even avid runners (so I'm told).  BUT,  I'm staying with it!!  Wait... did I just say that?  Seriously...the benefits that running gives me far outweigh this one little bothersome point. 

It's so easy to make excuses and say "it's too hot"  and it takes real dedication to stick with it.  I've decided to stick with it and pretty much sweat it out! 

Oviedo 5k Race

This was my first Race in my hometown.  I was kinda nervous because the training during the week has really picked up speed.  Instead of running / walking by minutes.... the last few weeks we started running 1 mile straight...then increasing it by 1/4 mile increments.  Last Thursday was the longest straight run I have done.....2 miles.  So, I think this is a great accomplishment--- especially since I have not done anything  athleticallly since high school.

Now today I had a new PR... it was 41:28 so, I'm slowly getting better.  This was my 5th 5k.  I also signed up on http://www.athlinks.com/ which will show ALL my races and track the times for me in one location.

Katy was 2nd overall and 1st in her age class today....she got a 1st place medal and I was so excited to see her win!  She's an awesome mentor and I cannot thank her enough for all she has done for me!   Here's a quote she shared with me and I love it so am posting here to remember it often!!

I am not a good runner because I am me; I am a good me because I am a runner!

1st Place Finish Medal!! 

Run for the Trees--Winter Park 5k Race 4-23-11



Sending this to Skirt Sports for their 5k challenge



Warming up on the school track

Bus trip back to the field



Everyone got to take home a tree!

 Today's race was in Winter Park and it was a beautiful run.  We actually had about 1 mile of the run down a tree canopied dirt road.... Genius Drive.  This road is a private road and they only open it for the public during this race.  It was my first run on a dirt road.  This was a fun race because there were peacocks on the trail, some of the homeowners were giving out juice and champagne :)  and and there was even a table with homemade cookies!  very nice touch.  My time was about 15 seconds less than my last 5k but it was probably one of the prettiest races I have done so far.   It was a point to point run... and there was a bus that brought us back to the start line area.  This race started at Showalter Field and we actually were able to warm up on the track there.

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.

I know this is my blog and all... and I'm tracking my progress....etc.  BUT...I wanted to write a special post just for Katy.  She's been such a great inspiration to me and I want to be able to share my thoughts with how I feel about our running relationship and the journey we are having.  Without making it too cheesy I want to say that I probably would never have known how much I enjoyed this if it wasn't for Katy.  I'm lucky that I work with her and that we have the time and opportunity to go out on our lunch hours to run.  I think now that one day when I'm older and I look back on my life I'll be glad I did this and took advantage of getting to know that I would enjoy this.  Life is an opportunity and I'm so glad I didn't miss this opportunity.  I can say that being able to run is going to be a passion of mine...it frees my mind and empowers me in a way I didn't even know was possible.  I'm so very thankful to have such a great opportunity to learn from one of the best!  Katy's run 9 marathons to date and countless 1/2 marathons...she has an endless energy and desire to help others and I'm so lucky to have her as my personal trainer. 

April Updates

Here I am now past the first quarter of the year and still moving along with my training.  Katy has been such a great trainer!  She has given so much dedication and commitment to helping me be my best.  I told her that I'm keeping this blog as my journal so to have a constant look back and resource of what I've done and the things I've learned along the way.

With that said... here's my April update and it's all about what I've learned this month.

• sweatybands.com   (these are very stylish) and you can get them for all kinds of sports and with all kinds of designs and colors.  they stay in place and keep your hair back.
• gum-- i found Quench gum at Dick's Sporting Goods --and it's awesome.  Every time we go out to run at lunch time I was getting cotton mouth...this gum really keeps me from thinking about being thirsty. 
• Dick's Sporting Goods did not have a lot of running gear...I did buy some Nike shorts but they don't carry the long sports tops...so, probably won't go back there for clothing.  Am thinking of checking out the Nike outlet though to see what kind of deals I can find there.
• Energy bars and stingers-- Marathon energy bars are made by Snickers and they are delish!   The waffle stinger's are good too.  I haven't tried many of the energy or protein bars yet and have not really used any of the jells or beans yet... probably because I'm still just doing 5k runs.
• I really like G2  a lot!  Grape is my favorite.
• We entered a "kick it back" thru Skirt Sports where Katy as the trainer and I  are entering this challenge of sorts to set up a training program.  It was introduced thru Runner's World and it's all about being able to help someone else become a runner and helping them through the process.  It's what we've been doing all along anyway... but it does make it fun to have something else to follow along with.  And... we learned yesterday that one of the perks for me would be a Skirt Sport skirt and visor!  Nice....  :) 

As far as my running times ... I'm getting longer runs!  We still go out at lunch time every Tuesday and Thursday but now because it's so hot we are going at 11:00 (it's only 88 at that time)  ha... but, as of yesterday (4-19-11) I'm running further and with more repeats --we run out of time if we go longer.  Our mileage during the week is getting better too...we are not at 4.5 miles so, things are really progressing.  I do my longer runs on Saturday when I can go 5 miles or longer and do longer repeats.

spring sprint 5k (4-9-11) Crane's Roost Altamonte Springs

Lined up and ready to run!

At the starting line.

It sure takes a lot of endurance to run an entire race.  I am not there yet....at this point I am a wanna be.    Today i did walk/run intervals and my time was better and i finished about 3 min quicker.  I am getting there slowly but surely.  Here I am at age 50 and decided that now I want to start running.  Yes, I am a late bloomer that is for sure.   a newbie at 50..... go figure?

2 Mile Road Race Winter Park (Park Avenue) March 26, 2011




It was still dark.... everyone's reflectors are showing

 



Checking the Pace

 




  This was a nice easy run for me.... just 2 miles and perfect for me to get back on track.  Katy ran this one with me and then she entered the 10k right behind it.  My little race was her warrm up ( smile ).  I did good and am getting better all the time and with no knee pain!  YEAH

First Quarter Earnings

Here it is... the end of March and so much has happened.   I have learned so much and am feeling the "earnings" of what running is all about!   Here's my overview.... and what I've learned along the way.    

• I am learning to listen to my body and what it is saying. 
• I went to the doctor and had knee tendonitis--was put on 500mg of Naproxen (same as Aleve--much stronger dosage). 500mg 2 X day.
• I bought shoe inserts-- Spenco--Poly Sorb Cross Trainer (this helps with the impact).
• I bought a slip on knee brace (Ace) and it helped.
• I bought a knee band (under the knee cap) (Futuro)and it helped.
• I bought  "performa" by bio-freeze to ease my knee pain.
• I did a whole lot of research on Glucosomine Chondroitin (and now I know how to say it and I'm taking it).
• I slowed down and started with a walk/run routine that has me warming up and cooling down. 
• I'm tracking my runs in a journal and on my calendar.
• I have goals and have set some challenges.
• I am saving my race bibs (I now have 3!!)
• I am buying more running gear and really cool stuff. 
• I subscribed to a running magazine (Runner's World)
• I read a book about running. (Runner's Rule Book).
• I added Track Shack to my FB friend list.
• I'm going to a movie premier about running tomorrow night ("My Run")
• I watched my first race.
• I have a HUGE support team and a great panel of experts on my side.  Thank you ALL!  xoxo
• Jimbo you pull it all together for me and help me document my progress with all the great photos!

Good tips from a friend

More GREAT advice from Nikki.... she's the one who does the 60 mile walks!  MY HERO!  Thought her information was worth posting so I can refer back to it!    Thanks Nikki--hope to join you one day.

Have you bought proper socks? I know for walking they recommended Thorlos – and they helped tremendously. I also bought shoes ½ bigger than my regular size – to allow for the thick socks & also swelling on your feet.

Lubricate!! They recommend all sorts of sticks & gels, but I used an anti-biotic gel like Neosporin…but a gel. I smothered it on sore parts of my feet each day before we walked & it worked. The days that I forgot I got some really sore parts.

Hydrate – water is good but Gatorade is better as it replaces what you lose thru sweat. You need electrolytes – I don’t like regular Gatorade as it is too sugary, but found that the G2 Grape flavor went down well & worked. Keeping hydrated prevents blisters (did you know that’s why you get them?). The days that I forgot my G2 I’d take water and you could bet your life I’d get a blister on one of my toes that had sore parts!

So, prepare your feet, wear the right socks & shoes & hydrate!

Nikki

Oh YEAH!

A Day In The Garden

All SMILES before the race!

Sweet Victory!

Another day... another race.  Up and out the door at 6am and ready for yet another run ....this time at Meade Gardens in Winter Park.  There was a group of us this time... and it was fun.  Good friends, good times, and a good race.  Life is GOOD and I am blessed.  I'm still trying to get the hang of all this and the downhill roads were my favorite but still found myself gasping for air.  lol   I just kept going thanks to the little voice next to me saying "I know you can do this... keep going, just a bit further, and left..... right...left .... right!  Thanks Sharon, you were a great race partner!  I'll try to keep up with you.... and I hope I don't pass out trying!  I remember how totally out of breath I was when I hit the finish line and my favorite thought was "it was OVER"   I am gonna keep at this and one day I can look back on these blogs and remember all these good times.  I am learning to stop and smell the roses and I'm having a lof of fun. 

My First Race 5k Park Avenue Winter Park

My first race.  It was cold this morning and I was ready to just do my best and keep going.  Funny how the 3 miles at lunch seemed to be so much easier to do.  The roads today were all cobblestone and uneven, there were so many people flying by me and I just kept my stride and pushed along.  The actual race was 5.2 K making it over 3 miles and I don't think I'll ever forget the excitment I felt as I crossed the finish line.  The stats are on line and it looks like I did okay for my first run.   I love this picture because it shows the time, the race sponsor and the relief I'm feeling as I pass over the line.  What an awesome day! 

Who would have guessed?

OMG.... I'm really doing this.  I have so much to learn and so many things that I don't even know to ask...but am just going to dive in.  I literally "run" my errands at lunch now.....grocery, drug store, etc... and things have taken on a whole new meaning too.  My first race is tomorrow... it's a 5k on Park Avenue in Winter Park and I'm doing it ! WOW... it's scary and exciting all at the same time.  It's funny the things you think about like what should I wear?  Will I look like I know what I'm doing... you know what I'm talking about.  I am so glad I decided to blog on this because I find it kind of like therapy...a place to re-group and make sure I'm staying focused.  I always wanted to journal and put my thoughts somewhere so this experience is perfect. This outdoor running world has kind of given me a new light -- like a freedom of sorts.  Yesterday was a busy day at work and I wasn't getting much done--felt overwhelmed and like I just couldnt' get caught up.  At first I thought I just couldn't fit in the lunch run...but, would do it after work...well, you know how those things happen, right? I ended up stopping everyhting I was doing and put on my running shoes and went out into the fresh air.... I just hit the ground running and felt better instantly.  I even came up with my plan for the race on Saturday.... I'm going to do 1/4 mile intervals of running and walking. Today I actually ran my first mile... it was in sections, but it was my first mile.  Katy was so proud of me... and that made me feel good like I had accomplished something really BIG!

Gale in our office is also thinking of joining us for our afternoon outings.  She is signing up for the next 5k which is going to be all women at Meade Gardens in Winter Park.  She'll be bringing her daughter so looks like we have a good group of girls going and this goodness just keeps spreading and more and more sparks are flying!  Life is Good !!

“To accept good advice is but to increase one's own ability”

Some solid advice from a good friend Believe it or not the panting passes once your body gets used to different mileage…the bad part is your body starts hurting.  You think you’re always going to want to stop b/c of the breathing/panting but after a while you don’t have that anymore and you’re grateful but then your knees hurt or your feet or whatever.  Not that I’m complaining but I just thought it very funny that the one thing you “think” is going to keep you from continuing is not really what it is…your body has to get trained for certain distances and that is what makes you think you can’t do it.  I’ll be following your progress on the blog.  Whoohoo.  I’m so very proud of you seriously….this is hard but a fun road to travel.  J

And, more importantly...

 I always think when I’m running…and feeling tired or as if I can’t go on…that I had better just continue as there are some people out there that don’t have the health to run or walk for that matter.  I’m healthy and I can do this.  I also am amazed at what the human body can endure when you give it time to train.  It’s amazing the things you can do if you just keep doing little by little and give your body time to “learn” what it can do.  Don’t get me wrong…you can lose the stamina and endurance very easily…I probably would have a tough time doing 13 miles right now since b/c of the darkness and cold we’ve had to cut back our  running schedule somewhat but at least I know I can do it and with less training to get back into it.  Anyway, I sound like a cheesy health spokesperson but it’s the truth!  All my best wishes for your training…wish I were there to help you through it but I’m sure Katy is good to have around for that.  J 

Delee

Off and Running

Well...I'm off and running (no pun intended) and things are going well. I am walking/jogging 2 times a week and am really feeling good about myself. Katy is encouraging me to push a bit more and we walk and then jog and then I just pant.... lol. She said the average American cannot run for a solid minute. I thought surely it's not that hard? I did it...but noticed how long that minute took. Then she said okay... let's do 1/4 mile and see how that goes. Today we talked to the other girls in the office and they "may" join us on our journey. I've signed up for 2 5k's and am considering working on a plan to do a half marathon. Big dreams for a starter and am wondering if this is just the "honeymoon period"...something tells me I am going to really enjoy this and make a habit out of it.

Accountability

So… I want you to send you, my friends a link to join my blog so I can be accountable and have people to answer to.  It's my motivation and I’m really excited about it.  And, if you would… just check in on me from time to time and please send me your tips and any advice or comments you might have.  I have never done anything like this and it really feels good.  I am still trying to figure it out and am learning how to maneuver it so please be patient with me.  I’m going to try to make it fun and entertaining as much as I can and I’d love your feedback (and your encouragement).

Well, here goes...  I am officially starting my own blog.   I wanted to make some resolutions this year and realized that this "Working It Out" blog would satisfy ALL of my "to do" list.

I started my first walk last week on Thursday.  Katy (my coach and work BFF) and I went out on our lunch hour and we walked 3 miles.  It was amazing how good I felt when we got back to the office.  It was a beautiful day and we just walked and talked.  I'm  a true beginner when it comes to any sort of exercise routine.  Tuesday's and Thursday's will come to be known as the days that will change my life. 

Welcome 2011.....Happy New Year!!