Wednesday, December 31, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR





Where ever you are and however you're celebrating I wish you the best in 2009.


We just got home this week from celebrating Christmas in Florida with all the family(17). What a nice trip, the weather was perfect and it was great to have everyone together.


I managed a run with Katy, Jenny and Amy the day after Christmas . Katy and I did 4 miles and Jenny and Amy each ran their own distance. Afterwards we all had waffles for breakfast.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

BETTER BE GOOD

I wanted to be good and get my long run in so I won't get a lump of coal in my stocking. I put my Smart Wool socks on since this was going to longer than what I usually do. My schedule had 7 miles for today( actually tomorrow) and I tried to figure out what would come close without going out of the neighborhood. Missed by .40, I did 6.60.

Big cheers to Jenny and family , they all placed in their 5K race today. What a bunch of runners they have turned out to be.

Friday, December 19, 2008

DASHING ALL THE WAY

What a beautiful day.The sun was out for the first time in 3 days, the fog had lifted and the temperature was a nice 61. I had a tempo run on my schedule for today. What the hell, I had never done one of these but there is always a first for everything.

I did my mile warm up and then checked my Garmin and started out. I was to do 3 miles @ 13:15 pace. Here's how I did.
12:48
13:38
13:42

The times for mile 2 and 3 are slower but that part also had the most hills including the killer hill.

This afternoon I am going to do dashes, dashing in one store then on to the next until I get my shopping finished.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

GOOD THING

It's a good thing I have worked out the last three days because I had chocolate iced Krispy Kreme doughnuts sitting on my counter this morning. Now there are several people in my family that love doughnuts(you know who you are) and we can't pass a good doughnut up. Not only could I not pass up a doughnut I had two. And that's not a good thing.
I did get my 2 mile run done.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

GOOD LUCK

To Kathryn, Jodi and Jenny good luck on your half today .
To Maggie who is running her first marathon, good luck and rock the rock !

Saturday, December 13, 2008

SCREWED UP !

I was suppose to do speed work with a distance of 5 miles including a warm up , 2x mailto:1600@12:30 w/800 jogs, and cool down.

I got up to the track at the middle school and this is what I did:
1 mile warm up
1 mile 12:01
800 walk
1 mile 12:02
800 walk
1 mile 12:01
1200 walk
Total miles 5:75
This was a totally new experience for me. I find it was not too difficult to do and not as boring as a treadmill. When I first got to the track there was a cross country team working out. I think that helped me with my run. I didn't want to look like a wuss in front of those kids.

Friday, December 12, 2008

I RAN


Here is my run for the day.

1. I ran down the drive to get the morning paper and then back up the drive,

2. I ran to the laundry room to put the close in the dryer.

3. I ran to the kitchen to take cookies out of the oven.

4.I ran to the back bathroom( it's a little farther)

5. I ran back to the laundry room to take the clothes out of the dryer.

6. I ran back to the kitchen to take more cookies out of the oven

7. I ran down the drive to get the mail and the back up the drive. You gotta have
a little bit of hill work.


8. I cooled down and made lunch.

Whew, what a workout.

Seriously tomorrow I'll do the real run.
Yesterday I was at the gym doing weights. It was chest, triceps and some abs and squats thrown in.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

COLD


Winter came to Dallas last night. Nothing that stuck to the ground but enough to make us feel cold. If I hadn't had a training session I would probably still be in my pajamas.

Today was back, biceps and some other crazy things that included legs and shoulders. After I went and rode the bike for 35 minutes.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Starbucks

My gosh I can't believe how cold it is getting out. I went to the gym to train this morning and the temp was around 65.

My gym workout was legs. I knew this was coming because I avoided it all last week. I did say if my leg started to hurt I would stop, but it never hurt. After my workout with Katy I went to the treadmill. My schedule called for a light run not more than 2 miles. I did 2.50.

After the gym I had errands to do and by the time I got to my last stop the temp was at 49 and I was freezing. On my way out of the grocery store there is a Starbucks ! How convenient. I ordered the triple chocolate hot chocolate, yum!

No telling how many calories in that drink, but don't worry I'll be at the gym tomorrow.

miles for week 4

Monday, December 8, 2008

Barely Moving

After being off for a week because of an injury I decided to go to the gym and do a very light workout. I figured my best bet was to use the treadmill, mostly walking but with some running added. I did 1.50 miles and everything seems to be fine. On my schedule for today I was to rest or cross train.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

CANES

I could have used a cane today as I hobbled out of bed and to the kitchen for my morning coffee. My schedule has a run for today but I'm going to do it on Friday or Saturday. It'll depend on how my leg is doing.

I did go to the gym to train. Since I wasn't going to be doing legs that left abs.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

RUN, RUN...

Yesterday afternoon I made some gingerbread cookies from an old recipe of my grandmothers. It's the kind of cookie that is soft and oh so good and reminds you of the holidays with that wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen. I know what's this got to do with running? Well last night my leg started to bother me and this morning it was hurting even to walk on. I figured all that standing in the kitchen must have done something to my leg. You weren't going to hear me say " run, run as fast as you can..."

Todays training was 25 minutes on the bike and then weights. I worked on shoulders and back. The biking seemed to help my leg. It's still sore but not as bad as this morning.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

STRONG WINDS TODAY !

Today was my official start to my training for the half in March. I was suppose to do an easy run with a distance of 2 miles at a pace of 14:51. I wanted to run outside because I like it better and also to get some vitamin D, which according to the news we are deficient in.
First I had to go to the gym for weight training. Today was chest and triceps plus some ab workout. I was tempted to stay and do my run on the treadmill but that is so boring.It took me awhile to get out the door. I kept hearing the wind howling. Gloves and hat and jacket on I forged ahead and it didn't take long before I was taking them off. I ran 2.80 miles with a pace of 13:47.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

FOOT SOLUTIONS

Where have I been for the last two days ? I was working at Foot Solutions. I found it interesting that a lady came in and wanted new shoes right before she is going to run a marathon. She is running the White Rock Marathon in 2 weeks. I don't think I would be getting new shoes before a big race. Not only did she get new shoes she also bought inserts to go in them.
If you are having foot problems it's a good place to go. They have lots of different ways to help you.
Next week I start my training program for the Disney Half Marathon in March.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

IMPROVED

Like everyone else this morning, we headed down to Dallas for the Turkey Trot. This is one of the biggest Trots in the country. This year there were around 34,00 runners. Some were doing the 3 mile fun run and others the 8 mile not so fun run.
The dogs were signed up for the fun run and were given bibs and scarves. Cocoa was anxious to get started but she had to wait for the 8 mile runners to go first.

Here's a picture of the runners for the 8 mile waiting for the horn. I thought I got a better start this year but still got bumped and pushed with runners trying to weave their way out of the pack. I felt like I was doing good and kept thinking about how Tonya and Katy pushed my pace. There were more hills then I remembered and some of these I had to walk. This year I had my sports beans so I didn't have to look for any used gels on the ground.
One of my goals for this race was to improve from last year, which I did. I finished in 1:48 a pr. and 12 minutes faster than last year.


After the finish I found my family. They were standing at the finish line waiting for me to come in. They didn't know I had finished.

miles today 8 Time 1:48:29 pace 13:34

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

GETTING READY

Yesterday and today I was at the gym training. We worked on shoulders, back and abs. Of course while I was working out I was thinking about all I had do to get ready for the turkey dinner and the turkey trot. I don't know which is harder to prepare for.
And who even feels like eating a big dinner after running 8 miles. I think I would rather go straight to the desserts. Yum, just give me my pie!

Monday, November 24, 2008

WINDY AND COOL

It was feeling like Fall this morning when I finally got out the door to go for me run. Almost lost my hat and was wishing I had worn gloves. This is good practice for the Trot this Thursday. I guess I need to be prepared for anything.I changed my course a bit and it shortened my run by about a mile.
Miles today 4.33

Thursday, November 20, 2008

ZOOMA RACE REPORT

Sunday morning and it was cold and windy. We were up at 5, ate a bagel with peanut butter and had some coffee. Tonya and Loretta were going to follow us to the race site.
Tonya, Katy and me before the race. As you can see the sun isn't even up yet. The only thing bright in the picture are Katy's pink shoes. They are the Newton running shoes I mentioned a few weeks ago. She was trying them out in this race.We had some coffee from Starbucks and they were even giving out oatmeal. That was a nice treat on a cold morning. By the time we got lined up the sun was starting to come out. There were 17oo (mostly women) who signed up for this inaugural race, 500 were doing the 5K. I did spot a guy with a blonde wig and a pink tutu. His hair looked better than mine. Katy and Tonya were nice enough to stay with me and actually pushed me a little harder than what I would have done. The course made a big loop with a straight down and u-turn back into the loop. It was at this point mile 2 that I needed a bathroom. We spotted a Starbucks so I headed over to it and they kept going. I rejoined them and we finished the race.

As we crossed the finish line we were handed a jewelry box and inside was our necklace. On the oval charm it says Atlanta Zooma 11.16.08

miles run this week 10.54

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

WARRIOR WAY 5K REPORT

Our first race for the weekend was the Warrior Way at North Cobb High School. Riley, Katy and I went over on Friday night to pick up our race packets. We loved the shirts! This also gave us a chance to check out the course. Hills, hills and hills. The first mile is up hill then you come down and turn left into a park which you loop around. I saw Katy and Tonya half way through the loop when I was turning in. As I was coming out of the park Michelle and Riley had started in. Once out of the park you have another steep hill to go up and then the last mile is down hill. At the bottom we turned right and headed behind the school to the track where we finished. My Garmin had quit on me at the start of the race so I had no idea how I was doing but as I entered the track someone said " you're at 38 minutes" that got me moving. I finished in 38:32 a PR for me. Katy and Tonya were there to cheer me on and then we waited for Michelle and Riley to show up. Riley had a strong finish. We were all really proud of her and what she has accomplished.
We're up early, eaten our bananas, had some peanut butter and are ready to leave. This is Riley's first 5K so we are all excited.

There are around 300 runners. We find a spot to line up and wait for the start. The morning is cool and damp from the rain the night before.


Riley and Michelle are behind us. They are going to walk with some running.



The track where we finished .



Katy, Michelle, Riley, me and Tonya pose for a picture after the race.





Here is Riley getting her medal for third place in her age group. Way to go Riley!






My turn for a medal. I took first place but I think I was the only one in my age group. When you get to be my age there isn't a lot of competition.
After the race Katy, Michelle, Riley and I went to The Whistle Stop Cafe for a great breakfast.






Thursday, November 13, 2008

Last Workout

Today was my last workout before my races this weekend. Tomorrow I fly to Georgia to run The Warrior Way 5K in Kennesaw on Saturday and then on Sunday The Zooma in Atlanta.
I was so glad she didn't have me work on legs today. We did triceps and chest and some core.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

GOOD RUN

Sword Beach in Normandy

It was up to the gym for a 9a.m. training session. Today was 30 minutes of ab workout. Seemed easier today for some reason. After training I went home and changed into shorts and went out for my run. It was a beautiful morning to be running. The temp was around 60 and the sun was shinning. I added some extra streets to my usual run to make it a little longer.

Miles today 5.83

Sunday, November 9, 2008

THIRSTY



I didn't want to be a turkey today and miss my run, but is was a little cold this morning. I waited until 12:30 and then went out. I took the usual trail through the neighborhood. About the time I hit the old path I was thirsty and wishing I had brought some water with me. You know what they say " be careful what you wish for.' As I was running down this hill I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. A bottle of water! It didn't look like it had been open so I scooped it up, uncapped it and poured some in my mouth. It hit the spot. I usually don't do this but I was thirsty. Last year during the Dallas turkey trot I was sooo thirsty and hungry I considered picking up a discarded gel pack on the ground and squeezing the last remains out of it.

This coming weekend I will be going to Atlanta to run in two 5K races. One is for my granddaughter's high school and the other is the Zooma Women's Race.

Miles today 4.77

Miles for week 16.32

Friday, November 7, 2008

COLORS OF FALL



One thing I'm enjoying about running outside this time of year is the beautiful Fall colors. This morning I went out for my run and some of the trees are simply gorgeous. I did the usual trail from my house running down past the tennis courts than up to the trail that runs through the field. If I'm lucky some days I see the roadrunners out. Then I go back into the neighborhood and try to make it up the killer hill. Down the hill and on the old path and heading home.

Total miles 4.87

Thursday, November 6, 2008

NEWTON RUNNING SHOES


Has anyone seen these shoes ? Yesterday when I was at the gym I saw this couple with these different looking shoes on. Hers were in pink ( Katy you would love these) and his were white and orange. I asked my trainer if she knew what they were, nope she didn't. So the only thing to do was go "excuse me, what kind of shoes do you have on" They couldn't have been nicer and explained that they were Newtons and were designed to make you run faster by mimicking being barefoot. I went home and googled to find out more and see if any stores in the Dallas area carry them. The only thing negative is that they are a little pricey.

Tuesday I trained doing triceps and chest and then I ran 2.43 miles
Wednesday I trained. It was 30 minutes of leg workouts.
Today I trained doing biceps and back. My quads are sore from yesterday so I decided not to go run. Will go out tomorrow. ( I know I'm being the grasshopper.)

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Monday, November 3, 2008

WHICH ARE YOU ?

As I was doing my run this morning I noticed a lot of very busy ants. It got me thinking about how training for a race is a lot like the Aesop's fable about the ant and the grasshopper.You can be like the ant and follow your schedule and do all your runs and workouts and when it is time for the race you'll be ready. On the other hand you can blow off workouts or have excuses why you can't run and when it's race time you may not be prepared to run a good race.
Sometimes I think I'm a little like the grasshopper, but I'm trying to be an ant.

Miles run today 4.25

Saturday, November 1, 2008

DON'T FORGET

It was a beautiful morning and Allie and I headed over to the soccer fields in Plano. She had to be there 45 minutes before her game and that gave me the chance to get my run in. There was a slight breeze and plenty of shade on the trail. My first mile I did in 11:36, not too bad. By the time I finished my run the game had started and I got there in time to see their team make a goal. Sadly they did not win the game.
Just a reminder don't forget to turn your clocks back, This will give us all an extra hour of sleep before we have to do our Sunday run. I know Jenny will like that. She has 18 to run.


Total miles 2.70

Friday, October 31, 2008

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

I had to get my run in today but first I was having coffee with my friend. Since it was Halloween we shared a piece of pumpkin bread and caught up on her news.When I got home I changed into my running clothes and got ready to go out. I ended up doing a short run because my abs were really hurting from yesterdays workout.

Miles run 2.00

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Gym Workout

It seemed like it has been longer than a week since I last worked out but I was scheduled to go today. Katie decided it was time for a 30 minute core workout. Damn, how many leg lifts and sit ups can some one do? By the time I was finished I was feeling it. I guess that's a sign of a good workout.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Choose a Bike



Last week I was in Florida to babysit while Jenny and Mark ran the Niagara Falls Marathon. My first day there she said I could go with her to pick up the boys from school. I had my choice of Mark's bike or Jenny's. I took the one with the basket. I don't feel very steady on a bike but I forged ahead following her to the school and than home again. I figured that was my exercise for Wednesday

Thursday was running day and we decided to stay in her neighborhood. It was a warm day and we agreed she would do her run and I would be behind doing mine. I guess I was a little slow because when I was nearing her house she had come out to look for me.

Friday I walked to the boys school to pick them up and then walked home. Andy wanted to run home but I said it was too hot and we were walking.

The rest of the week I took off. I figured i was getting enough exercise going up and down her stairs. :)

Miles for week : Wed. 2

Thurs 3:88

Fri 2 for a total of 7:88

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

CHANGES

Sometimes you have to change things up and do it a little different. I had gym day and it was back and biceps, nothing too hard. After my workout I started to head home. I was feeling guilty that I didn't stay at the gym and do cardio, but I had a lot to do today. On my drive home I thought, why not go to the park and do my run. Granted I didn't have my Garmin, I didn't have my i-pod, I didn't have my favorite pair of running shoes on and I had long pants on but what the heck.
So I'm guessing that I did around 3:25 miles today because I had no way to time my distance. It was a great run and if I had gone straight home I probably wouldn't have gotten a run in.

Monday, October 20, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

It was such a beautiful day and I wasn't suppose to run but decided to take a walk and enjoy the nice Fall weather.

Happy Birthday to Amy.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

BEES


I was going to see The Secret Life of Bees today with some friends so I didn't have a lot of time for a run. However I figured it was better to run a short route than not run at all. I took the same trail I did earlier this week just made it shorter. Ended with 3:39 miles.

Miles for week 12:13

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Bouquets to..

Jenny for talking me into going for my run early instead of waiting and doing it before the soccer game. Thank you.
I don't know if it was because I had 2 days off, or that the morning was cool but I had a great run. Even made it up the killer hill. I felt like I was doing more running than walking. The only thing I did different was not taking my i-pod with me.

Total miles 4:29

Miles this week 8:74

Friday, October 17, 2008

SHOE STORE

Where have I been all week? On Tuesday I had training. It was triceps, chest and abs. After training I worked at the shoe store.
On Thursday, training again. This time legs, ugh! Then I went to the shoe store to work.
Friday, yep I had to work at the shoe store. Didn't even have time to run or work out.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

FALL RUN

This morning I headed out on my usual trail for my run. It was suppose to be cooler today but I couldn't tell any difference. I noticed my Garmin wasn't tracking the miles right. I thought I had reset it, but maybe not. The next thing I noticed was the sky was getting very dark in the West. Looked like it could rain but I was sure it wouldn't happen until later today so decided to go on and not turn back. I had just made it up the big hill when the wind picked up and the leaves started coming down and then it happened. Rain, it started coming down. At first I thought this was great, it was cooling me off, then it became annoying. My hat was wet, my glasses were fogging up and I was afraid I would slip on the wet leaves on the pavement. I kept running, what choice did I have, I had to get home and I had no phone to call for a ride. That's the thing about running once you are out there you just have to keep going. I finished with about 4:45 miles for the day.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Confucius say...

if you eat lousy the night before a run, you will run lousy. I didn't feel like I was at my best this morning and in trying to figure out why I realized I ate a lot of junk food yesterday.

I did 4:95 miles
Miles for week 15:88