SSHHPMR

Short, Slow, Hot, Humid, Painful, Miserable Run. Ok, not totally miserable. I was with Lem! We made it over to the new Smoothie Factory where she was able to get a nice smoothie. I passed on the smoothie today because I still had to run back. I did sneak a sip or two and it was delicious!


Lem on my new bike enjoying a sip of her smootie

A new favorite place, which took root in my old favorite place, which is right next door to my guilty pleasure place.



OK, I'll admit it. I am a very biased mom and I think she is cute!!

One of the owners was running the blenders today and what a sweet, sweet lady she is. She offered me a bottle of water anytime I need it and kindly filled my bottle with ice chips. You gotta love her! The only negative I could see was the number of muscle magazines and men's health magazines lying around. I was with my little girl and sometimes, those publications include articles and advertisements that she (nor anyone) should not view...

I only had 4 near misses today and one really ticked off lady honk at me because I stopped to let her pass. Go figure.

5 miles, 10:51 pace. Closing the month of August with 141 miles. It was so humid, I felt like I was inhaling pudding! Dramatic, aren't I???

What do you expect from the ghost runner??!!

Not Quite 50

It was an "off" week from Fit because of the holiday, but we still had 17 miles on the books. TWRC was kind enough to plan a run for all of us to enjoy, but I wanted to get out earlier than 6 am, so Pete and I ran from my house. Pete ran one loop with me and Dirt Runner, the second.

After my shower, I noticed that the mosquitoes enjoyed quite the breakfast... all over my legs!

Didn't make 50 miles this week, but I came close. I ran 45 miles over 5 days. Missing last Sunday's run and cutting Thursday's run short meant a shortfall on the mileage. 45 miles in a week is my top mileage so far and the legs feel surprisingly well.


Total Time: 2:47:50; Total Mileage: 16.01; Avg. Pace: 10:29; Avg HR: 159

Weight: 124; Calories Burned: 1580 today. 4330 for the week! Set me up with some OREOS!

Weekly Mileage: 45.3; Monthly Mileage: 136

Mile 1: 10:11
Mile 2: 10:15
Mile 3: 10:09
Mile 4: 12:26
Mile 5: 11:46
Mile 6: 10:01
Mile 7: 10:31
Mile 8: 10:29
Mile 9: 9:25
Mile 10: 11:11
Mile 11: 9:40
Mile 12: 9:40
Mile 13: 11:01
Mile 14: 11:04
Mile 15: 10:02
Mile 16: 9:42

The Thursday Run Returns...

I set out to run another 8 tonight, nice and slow. I went out fast and ran out of spunk pretty quick. I got 5 in at a 9:44 pace.

Not sure I'll make the 50 miles this week, but I'll do my darnedest.

Back to watching this crazy little rock show... er, I mean, acceptance speech.

Working on the Endurance

Trying to increase my endurance is going better than expected this week. I am feeling good overall, in spite of my troubles sleeping. I am continuing to have difficulty sleeping more than about 2 hours a night.

I've had restless legs since I was about 20. I never really let it get to me and have been able to control it through exercise. If I exercise, I can keep it in check. Well, for whatever reason, now, the exercise does not seem to be helping. I can't figure out why the legs are so irritated, but I am trying to focus on what I can do to alleviate the symptoms.

I found a homeopathic remedy yesterday and tried it last night. It seemed to work, so I am hoping that I'll get through this without much more difficulty. In doing research on RLS, I found this guy doing a 75 mile run solo to raise awareness about RLS.

The lack of sleep did catch up with me this weekend which gave me reason to look into this condition a bit more seriously.

I ran last night 8.5 miles at a 10:06 pace and 8.2 miles tonight at a nice and easy 10:43 pace.
Tonight, Lem and I saw many critters on the trail. It was dusk when we began to see fireflies! I hadn't seen those since I was a young child. It was so neat!! Then we saw a HUGE Water Moccasin!!
He was patiently waiting for his dinner to hop by... a cute little bunny that we saw about 100 feet from the snake. Needless to say, we were ready to get off the trail and get back home.

I am shooting for close to 50 miles this week. This is all in efforts to reach my goals this fall and winter.

Short and sweet

Post that is...

Lem and I headed out tonight for a beautiful 7.5 mile run together. She rode her bike and I ran beside her.

It was great to get out and just chat away about the day and girly things. At one point we saw some beautiful deer. 2 Adults and 3 fawns. They were so majestic looking. We watched them for several minutes as day gave way to night. I wish I had my camera, but perhaps this was one of those moments that was to be etched in my mind's eye instead. The deer and Lem's perfect little face. How much more wonderful can it get?

7.5 Miles; 9:58 pace.

Ahhh... sleep

After 3 days of little to no sleep, my body crashed last night and I didn't move a hair until 10:30 this morning. Crazy.

I've had a very difficult time sleeping this week. This happens sometimes, but this week was especially bad. Over 3 days, I had 2 hours of psuedo-sleep each night. On top of my over-active mind that tends to kick into high gear at 2 am, I also have had the pleasure of a screeching, barking dog right across the street from me.

This has led me to think extremely violent, let's say, un-Catholic-like thoughts. Not necessarily about the dog, but their owners.

Unfortunately, my sleeping in caused me to be a no-show for the Trail run this morning. I had promised someone that I would run with her at 7 and I didn't make it. That is very un-nice on my part. I hope she understands and she'll let me run again with her another day.

I'm soaked again, but it is not raining!

The humidity returned just in time for our 14 miles this morning. Even with all the rain we've had this week, I was hoping for a shower to cool us off about half-way through.

We had a good time jumping tree limbs, snakes, and attack squirrels on the path today. It was nice to be back with the group after missing last week's run. It was quite funny watching some of the girls experimenting with Gu and Beans. They had never used them before and watching the expressions on their faces was a real hoot! I remember when I thought I would never be able to eat that stuff. Now, I make sure I have plenty on hand!

I tried out some new sports beans today. Watermelon flavored with caffeine! They were quite tasty and the caffeine, while not something I usually indulge in, helped keep me going quite well. Most of the run, I had to pull the group back to a Long Run pace. We kept hitting just below tempo runs. I like to blame it on Pete, but I know I was guilty of running too fast as well.

The last few miles, we could feel the fatigue setting in. We took two short walk breaks and enjoyed the conversation with one another. A great run overall.

Total Time: 2:27:30; Total Mileage: 14.19; Avg. Pace: 10:24; Avg HR: 157!!

Weight: 125.5; Calories Burned: 1403 (guess I burned off some of that Burger I ate last night)

Weekly Mileage: 35.63; Monthly Mileage: 91

Mile 1: 9:58
Mile 2: 9:58
Mile 3: 10:21
Mile 4: 10:10
Mile 5: 10:10
Mile 6: 10:28
Mile 7: 9:58
Mile 8: 10:13
Mile 9: 9:51
Mile 10: 10:11
Mile 11: 11:15 walk break
Mile 12: 10:31
Mile 13: 12:12 walk break
Mile 14: 10:32
.19: 9:00/pace

Not a typical Thursday

Those of you have been reading my blog pretty regularly know how yucky my Thursday runs usually are. I suck wind bad. Plain and simple, I've come to accept it, and truthfully, I expect it. I don't know what it is about Thursdays, but they are usually my worst run of the week.

Tonight was different, however. Fully expecting the usual run, complete with several walking breaks over the 4.4 miles, I headed out with the Trail group. Pete is back in town and it was great to run with him again. Of course, he runs much quicker than me now, and I knew heading out that there would be no way to keep up with him.

I accepted that I would probably run a mile or so with him and then be on my own. I was even ok with that!

But something strange happened tonight. I ran a 9:00 pace over the 4.4 miles! No walking, no pain, no death awaiting me!

Mile 1: 9:21
Mile 2: 9:00
Mile 3: 8:56
Mile 4: 8:51
.41: 8:44 pace.

Pete left me in the dust for the last half mile, which gave me the perfect opportunity to take a walk break, but I didn't take it.

I have no explanation for tonight, but I did love how I felt afterwards! But this totally messes up my whole "what to expect on Thursday" notions.

I am considering a slight change in my racing (HA! I feel idiotic calling my events races, the only one I race against is myself!) this fall/winter.

I should make my decision pretty soon, so I'll post it when I do.

Happy running! And happy thoughts to JD and Barbara.

Stealth mode

Busy, busy, busy. Running, working, planning school for the kiddos, being mommy. Not much time for much else, so my blogging suffers.

I've been able to run Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. I plan to run Thursday, rest Friday, and then run on Saturday and Sunday.

My endurance seems to be a bit low this week, but tonight was better than previous runs. Maybe because the kids were riding their bikes alongside me. I was sure to hit every puddle and try to splash them along the way. It was fun to get out and play while running. I was even able to get a few miles at mp tonight.


On another note, I've restarted my quest for 100 push-ups this week picking up on week 4, yet again. Tonight's set felt strong with 16-13-13-11-21. 74 total push-ups. Not bad for a skinny-armed gal that began this with a whopping 2 push-ups at my initial test!


Enjoy the cooler weather while we have this rain. It reminds me that fall is not that far away...

Finally!

I was finally able to get a run in this morning. It was late morning therefore the heat and sun were a major issue for me, but the neck felt good. 5.35 miles at a nice easy pace (10:30). Got to listen to some Third Day which always sounds great. I need to upload their new CD to the mp3.

I had a chance to try out my new shades and shoes and they were great! I couldn't even feel the glasses on my face. My calves and shins seemed out of whack. Not sure if they are just acting their age or if the new shoes will take some getting used to.

It felt great to get sweaty and stinky...

OK, Joe, Let's Do This Thing!

As JD knows better than I, what does one do when they can't run? They think about ways to run...

Some of you may remember my post about Stephanie Johnson and her Tri coming up on Sept. 7th. I've been hemming and hawing about whether or not I could do it. I know I could handle the bike and the run, it's the dang swimming. Let me just admit it here... IT FREAKS ME OUT! I'M SCARED TO SWIM! I've had lessons, I swim fine, I just can't get further than about 50 yards without feeling like my lungs are going to explode. I guess I'm not really afraid to swim, I'm afraid of not breathing. Maybe this has some relation to my own drowning when I was 2 years old, I don't know. I've always been a good swimmer, but never a confident one. I was even a swim instructor for young kids when I was a teen. I am not afraid of water. I am not afraid to learn new strokes. It's the whole breathing thing. I like the rhythm of breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out over the the breathe in, hold your breath til you think you might die then quickly try to catch a breath complete with a gulp of pool water and repeat. And don't forget to move fast through the water!!

Then, one of my student's families told me that "The Stef" was sold out. I leapt for joy! I'm so happy that the response has been so positive and that the race is a success. And of course, I WAS happy that I didn't have to worry about doing the race now. I mean afterall, it is sold out...

Then my inner voice got me in a quiet room and started on me... big time! "You wimp! How can you look at yourself in the mirror? (yes, I was in the bathroom) Did Stephanie have a choice to fight her cancer or not? Does Kelly? Does Greg have the choice of whether or not to accept his MS? Does Hans get to choose whether or not he'll pick up his cancer today? Wuss! Don't you hate cancer? Do you hate it more than swimming? You creep! You have a CHOICE to swim or not to swim..."

So, here's the deal. I have a choice. I can choose to swim this thing or not. I choose to swim. Because I can. Because others can't. On Sept. 7th, I will be swimming 200 yards, biking 6 miles, and running 2 in honor of Stephanie Johnson and all those everyday heroes that have fought or are currently fighting the good fight. I will send my money to the family just as though I registered for "The Stef".

The website does have the option to race as a Phantom racer, and I think that is a good thing. For some strange reason, I feel called to do this completely independently. I don't know why, but that's how it is going to be at this point.

If anyone is interested in joining me or another fellow blogger, Brother Joe, let us know. We'd love the company, even if it is just in spirit.

Julia Childs was a SPY?!

I can't wait to see this story made into a movie!

Running? What running?

No running this week, yet. No push-up challenge either. It seems my newly turned 43 year old body wants to give up the ghost.

Monday afternoon, I was re-enacting Michael Phelps victory pose and felt a slight twinge in my upper back. Weird.

Within the hour, my neck and upper back were in a complete and quite painful spasm. It hasn't let up very much since then. I did go to the Chiro yesterday, but I still can't move my head very well.

This totally throws a wrench into the training, but hopefully, I'll get back on track next week. Saturday, if I can't run, I'll ride the bike. I pray this lets up soon. I'm starting to drive my family crazy...

TAKE THAT, FRANCE!!!!!!

This had to be the most exciting thing I have ever seen! I don't care who you are, swimmer or not, this was AMAZING!

Way to go boys! Keep it up! You make us all proud!

I am so blessed!

Yes, today is my birthday. I don't know how everyone found out, but I think I have a good idea of who and who might be behind the scenes on this one.

The day had an early start at 4:45 this morning. Not much different than most Saturdays, in fact, I slept in an extra 15 minutes, but I didn't get to bed until after 1 am last night. I had the chance to take some of the kids to see another Shakespeare production at Winedale and it was a long ride home.

For any lovers of Shakespeare, and for those who have never seen his work, I highly recommend that you take the time to visit Winedale.

Thankfully, Pete and I did not have to add any extra miles on this morning. After Thursday night's disaster of a run, I wasn't sure how I was going to hold up this morning.

Wednesday, I had run a nice tempo run with some hills thrown in. My calves were burning afterwards! I had some pretty quick miles, one was 8:49! I iced them and put them to bed, but then on Thursday, I was only able to get 3 miles in before having to call home for a ride. I could have walked home, but I thought the quicker I could get some ice on the old legs, the better.

We had 13 miles on tap for today. I slathered the legs with some Bio-Freeze before the run and took a few Advil. This is against the rules as far as running through pain, so I don't recommend it. The old, do as I say, not as I do...

Upon arriving at the Y, I saw the usual suspects and then Jon and Holden! It was so good to see them. I must admit, I have a special fondness for my TIR mates! A sort of kinship that I hope never fades.

Before I could figure out what was going on, I heard Bill talking about a tail-gate party. I couldn't figure out what he was talking about but figured it had something to do with the Olympics. Quickly, I realized that somehow he knew it was my birthday. He pulled out a huge chocolate cake, implored the Fit folks to sing Happy Birthday to me and showered my with kind words. I was so humbled be it all. As outgoing as I am, I really don't like being the center of all attention. I'd rather be helping pull something like this off on someone else! God has blessed me with wonderful friends, and I am truly grateful.

We headed out into the dark for our run, me without the Garmin as she wasn't up for the challenge. Her battery was not charged. I informed Pete that he would be our pacer today.

The first 2 miles were quite painful. I was pretty sure I would have to cut off and head home to retrieve my bike to complete the route with my group. We stopped at the water stop and I tried stretching, but this only caused more pain. I decided to run a bit further, praying all the while that the discomfort would subside.

Thankfully, the pain did let up, almost immediately after starting the run up again. I decided to give the rest of the run a try and I am really glad that I did. I am running with some of the nicest people around. All from different walks of life, different points of view, but all with the same passion for what we love...running. We had a good time spotting the other sets of nice looking legs out on the road this morning. One of the runner's was hitting her highest mileage ever today and needed that kind of distraction to take her mind off of the physical discomfort.

We ran together almost the entire run, only splitting up the last mile or so. Pete and I walked a bit more at the end. He, unfortunately caught some of my calf problems. I was exhausted.

We finished the run in about 2 hours and 10 mins. The total miles ended up being 12.25 instead of 13, but I don't know if I could have made it the full 13. Based on this time guesstimate, I believe our pace was about 10:37. It was probably a bit quicker than that because Pete tends to run us faster.

Pete was kind enough to bring my older-self home and I came in to my wonderful family who let me take a shower and literally fall into bed for an hour while they prepared me a wonderful breakfast of blueberry pancakes! Yummy!

After breakfast, I was spoiled further with cards and gifts that were so thoughtful. Among the gifts, the new Third Day CD,(thank you Lord for Mac Powell's amazing voice!), a new running shirt and undergarment, some REAL sunglasses which are totally awesome and make me look extremely COOL! I'm also the proud owner of some new shoes!

As I type this, my oldest son is affixing my new pedals, lights, and seat to my bike as well as giving her a good cleaning. As I said, I am so blessed and a tad bit spoiled.

Thank you to all who have thought of me in a special way today. Your friendship means the world to me. I pray that each of you feel as blessed as I do - today and every day!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Running with Edouard and Pat

Today seemed like a perfectly good day to skip a scheduled run. And who would blame me? I mean; afterall; there was a tropical storm making his presence known.

And then I got that email from DirtRunner... 4 simple little words...

"Don't forget to run!" ugh


Thank goodness for those gentle kicks in the pants. That's a good friend for you.

I quickly dressed, packed the hydration, and headed out the door for a run on Flintridge Hills. I also through in a loop around the Nature Trail for good measure. I made 5.8 of my scheduled 6 miles.

I felt great hitting the hills. I was able to get one mile at marathon pace. I slowed myself down for the rest of the miles. Pat was kind enough to run the Nature Trail with me. We made sure to stay on the trail this time!

The best part about tonight's run was that I could see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. That tunnel called summer in Houston. With tonight's temperature being 20 degrees cooler than what we have been running in the last few weeks, I can see that once fall is truly here, things are going to get much easier and much more pleasant. And like JD pointed out, humidity has it's benefits!

I was able to do Day 1 of Week 4 for the Push-up challenge. I noticed tonight that there is now a nice little button I'll be able to put on my blog if/when I finish this challenge. I can't wait!! I was able to do 16-13-13-11-20. Not as many as JD, but a huge improvement from where I was just a few short weeks ago.

I must admit, I've noticed a difference in my core and my arms. That's a nice benefit!

Sunday Morning at HSP

I wasn't sure I would make it out of bed for a jaunt to Huntsville this morning. In fact, at about 4:30 this morning, I turned off the alarm and told myself that I should just stay local for my run.

At 6:15 I woke up, wide awake and decided to get myself up to HSP for a run with those who understand my insanity.


On the way up to the park, I saw lots of deer grazing on the grass along 45. It was so beautiful. They are so graceful. I could look at them all day.

We ran a nice 6.9 miles through the park. Aside from being run over by about 50 cyclists riding in a pack, it was quite a peaceful run. At some points, I was running alone worrying that I might get lost. Just when I was convinced that I was lost, I'd run into a member of the trail group who assured me I was on the right path. I really need to get a map and study the trails so I don't have to rely on good luck to get through them.

Most of the group ran a bit longer than me, but considering my run yesterday, I decided to take the shorter route. I think it took me just as long at my 12:33 pace. I walked every hill and each patch of sand. I hate running through sand. I twist my ankles so bad, I don't want to risk a real injury trying to run through it.

My legs felt great, I was just tired. Not exhausted, but tired. I enjoyed listening to the sounds of nature, minus the screaming band of cyclists.

Once I got home, I had a quick bite to eat and then Mark and I headed out for a bike ride. Mark got his new bike yesterday, so we needed to break it in. I took him on a 7 mile ride over the Flintridge Hills and into the Nature Preserve. It was a great ride, a tough little work-out on those hills. I think I heard Mark cursing me under his breath...

The afternoon I spent playing on the computer with the kids. I really need to be attending to our homeschooling curriculum, but how boring!

I'm hoping to get another 40+ miles in this week. Push-ups to be done later today.

Just in Case You are Wondering...

It's still hot, even at 5 am! The sweat was dripping off me 1 mile into the run. Me, the one who never used to sweat! Dripping. On one hand, I love it. It feels great! On the other hand, it's kind of gross. But only other runners can appreciate that wonderful sweaty, exhausted, leg-aching kind of day that we get up so early for.

Pete and I left my house at about 5 this morning. He, after a late night flight in from Denver, me after a poor night of sleeping as I tend to worry about stuff at 1 in the morning. It's what I do best.

We had planned to run 18 today. 11 with the Yellow group, adding 3.5 each way from my house to the Y. It was a long and tedious run after about our 9th mile. We lost Jon, and I just had a gut feeling that he didn't make a left when he should have. Thankfully, Beth graciously rode her bike to go seek him out, and though he was not found until later, I felt okay continuing forward knowing that others were looking for him. I still stick to my promise... no one is left behind. Jon was recovered safely, albeit it a bit more salty than when he originally started. It was great to see him! I wish I had been able to chat with him a bit more. Waverly was also there for support and she has gotten so tall this summer! She is taller than me now. Jon, watch out... she is gorgeous!! Looks like Mark and Rick can take up a business building moats at our home, Rick's and yours!!

Pete and I decided to cut the 11 down to 10 as we were both feeling the run take it's toll. As we headed back to the Y, I agreed that this was the smart choice.

We headed back out for the 3.5 miles back to the house. These miles were much slower as we were both we pretty whipped. I was having some side pain, Pete some calf cramping.

Once I was home, I had a nice stretch, shower, and a brief snooze. Boo was pretty grumpy as he still has a bad cold. Mommy-duties had to take priority.

Total Time:3:10; Total Mileage:17.30; Avg. Pace: 10:30ish; Avg HR: 153

Weight: 125; Calories Burned: 1670!!

Weekly Mileage: 43.7; Monthly Mileage: 18.00

Mile 1: 9:36
Mile 2: 9:40
Mile 3: 10:04
Mile 4: 9:18

With Yellow Group - running a 10:15 - 10:30 pace

Mile 5: 10:17
Mile 6: 10:12
Mile 7: 10:31
Mile 8: 10:10
Mile 9: 10:35
Mile 10: 10:03
Mile 11: 12:26
Mile 12: 12:04
Mile 13: 10:13
Mile 14: 12:01

Trek home

Mile 15: 10:43
Mile 16: 14:05 - YIKES! Lots of walking this mile...
Mile 17: 11:20
leftovers: 10:44

PUSH UP CHALLENGE - I did my push-ups last night. Total of 77 after completing the level. One more day this week. I did 15 - 14 - 14 - 12 - 21. I gave 6 extras at the end. Still on the Lightest level of the all the levels, but I'm ok with that! I saw what JD did and I might keel over if I tried to complete that level.