This post is going to be a little bit more personal, but it needs to be said ...
So I've noticed the different changes I've been going through since I've started running in February and my diet decision with not drinking soda or eating dessert/sugary snacks. I read that during my first year of training I will probably not see a huge decrease in weight, and this has been true. While I have been losing a few pounds, it hasn't been significant cause I've been putting on the muscles. Seriously, my calves are rock hard! What I have noticed is a decrease in inches in pretty much every part of my body. I'm needing to buy clothes in a size smaller now which for me, makes me feel really good! Another aspect I've seen deminish is my belly pouch. Yep, I've got one of those ... not afraid to say it! In looking back over pics I've taken on race days, I've seen it present, but today in getting ready for track it seemed almost invisible!
Ever since my pre-teen and teen years I've struggled with weight. I was one of the comfort eaters when things went bad or I was just bored. I tried various methods of losing weight including many fad diets, but could never stick with any of them and would just give up. Giving up the sweets and getting outside for exercise 3 days a week has definitely changd that! I feel my confidence increasing and my attitude changing for the better.
For anyone out there that has struggled with the same type of thing, this is about the only advise I can give you .... just keep at it! You are the only person standing in your way. Don't let the left side of your brain control you and be kind and have patience with yourself. In a world of quick fixes and got have it now attitudes, this has been a slow process, but one that I'm truly thankful I finally dove into. I wish I would've started sooner, but hey now is a better time than any!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon 07/04/11
The race has come and gone and I'm really happy that I completed it! At one point during the race I really didn't think I would as I started to have hip/thigh pains around mile 6 or 7. I couldnt' believe it! What in the world ... I thought I was ready! sigh ... let me back up to the beginning ...
3 a.m. Who wakes up at 3 a.m.?! The birds weren't even up yet and my cats just rolled over, covered their eyes and went back to sleep. I lifted myself out of bed, took a shower and put my running clothes on! I ate a small bowl of oatmeal while double checking I had everything.
Garmin ... check
Visor ... check
Bib number ... check
Water with Nuun ... check check
Tutu ... CHECK!!!!
I made my way to NW Portland to catch the shuttle bus at 5 a.m. and actually arrived right when they started loading, so I boarded the bus and a lady took the seat next to me. I kept hearing the surrounding conversations and it appeared I was in East Coast territory. Even the lady sitting next to me was from somewhere back East. She told me her goal was to run a half marathon in every State. This race in Oregon today would be #36. I told her this race would be #3 for me if I had the same goal! (Wow....it's true! 1st California, 2nd Florida, 3rd Oregon!)
It was shaping up to a beautiful morning with clear skies and the sun already making it's way up, which meant it was gonna be a hot one ... no shade from clouds today! East Coast Lady asked me if the mountain she was pointing at was Mt. Hood. I said no, that's St. Helens, the volcano that erupted in the early 80's. She said she really wanted to see Mt. Hood cause she had no time for sight seeing. She had just arrived the night before and was leaving right after the race. Wow! I told her Mt. Hood was behind us, and then the bus turned to head north to Sauvie Island and I looked out the window. I exclaimed "There it is! That's Mt. Hood!" I think I really made her day that she actually got to see it. Finally we arrived to the drop off spot, unloaded from the bus and wished each other luck in our race.
I found my running group and noticed that we were all antsy to start. Not only that, but it was a bit chilly that morning. Though the sun was out, the breeze and early morning weather kept us jumping and rubbing our hands together. One lady, Linda, was even wearing a long down coat! We huddled together, took a group photo and waited. They had the marathoners start at 6:30 a.m. and we cheered them on as they took off. Soon, it would be us doing the same. Some made last minute potty stops, bag checks and watch checks in preparation.
And then. ... GO!!!! The race began. One of my running buddies, Bob, and I kept in pace with each other. Using our 30:30 run, walk, run ratio that we've been training under. After about a mile I looked at my watch, wow, we were keeping just above a 12 minute mile pace. A bit fast, but we both felt pretty good, so we kept going.
Here's a few things you should know about Sauvie Island. This is where the huge corn mazes are in the fall and it has vast farm land. Running around this island I thought would be really cool to see all the beautiful scenery. Yeah, no. It got somewhat boring after awhile. Julee from the running group told me weeks before that the course was boring ... she was right. At the beginning of the race there is quite a bit of shade which made it really nice, but also the wind was pushing against us. BUT! when you get around the 2nd or 3rd corner and head towards the finish line the shade disappears. Nada. Zilch. Full on sun in your eyes and making it even hotter.
When I started to feel the hip/thigh pain I voiced it to Bob and we somewhat slowed down our pace, but were still going a bit faster than training. This is most likely the culprit. Weekly track sessions of faster speeds are only for about 2 miles. This was 13.1 miles that I needed to endure. Finally I told Bob to go on and that I would be taking longer walk breaks. I just wanted to finish. My goal of completing in 3 hours would have to wait till the next race. I just HAD to finish! I kept trying to give myself pep talks and repeat encouraging quotes I had read and think about the strawberry shortcake at the end, but the negatives had definitely made their way back into my thinking process.
About mile 9 I realized that I only had 4 more to go and an hour to do it in to make my goal. I calculated in my head my previous race and training times and thought maybe, just maybe. But now I was mostly walking, so I put that thought away. Candy, another running buddy, caught up to me and we walked together for a bit. About mile 12 she ran ahead and I cheered her on as I continued. I kept getting closer and was still making good time. I saw the finish line and knew I could do it. I gathered all my strength and ran to the finish!
I came across the finish at 3:04! I didn't meat my goal, but I did PR! which is absolutely amazing! I was happy and was greeted by my fellow runners and we all enjoyed delicious strawberry shortcake to celebrate. My first dessert since March and it was the best thing ever!
Making my way back to the shuttle bus, I sat and sent texts to family and friends letting them know I was done. Got back to my truck and headed for home, where I relaxed for the rest of the day. Through the pain and tears, I had finished my 3rd half marathon which is also the 2nd one I've done this year!
Next race ... Disneyland Half Marathon in September 2011!
 |
| Bib number and race shirt |
Visor ... check
Bib number ... check
Water with Nuun ... check check
Tutu ... CHECK!!!!
I made my way to NW Portland to catch the shuttle bus at 5 a.m. and actually arrived right when they started loading, so I boarded the bus and a lady took the seat next to me. I kept hearing the surrounding conversations and it appeared I was in East Coast territory. Even the lady sitting next to me was from somewhere back East. She told me her goal was to run a half marathon in every State. This race in Oregon today would be #36. I told her this race would be #3 for me if I had the same goal! (Wow....it's true! 1st California, 2nd Florida, 3rd Oregon!)
It was shaping up to a beautiful morning with clear skies and the sun already making it's way up, which meant it was gonna be a hot one ... no shade from clouds today! East Coast Lady asked me if the mountain she was pointing at was Mt. Hood. I said no, that's St. Helens, the volcano that erupted in the early 80's. She said she really wanted to see Mt. Hood cause she had no time for sight seeing. She had just arrived the night before and was leaving right after the race. Wow! I told her Mt. Hood was behind us, and then the bus turned to head north to Sauvie Island and I looked out the window. I exclaimed "There it is! That's Mt. Hood!" I think I really made her day that she actually got to see it. Finally we arrived to the drop off spot, unloaded from the bus and wished each other luck in our race.
I found my running group and noticed that we were all antsy to start. Not only that, but it was a bit chilly that morning. Though the sun was out, the breeze and early morning weather kept us jumping and rubbing our hands together. One lady, Linda, was even wearing a long down coat! We huddled together, took a group photo and waited. They had the marathoners start at 6:30 a.m. and we cheered them on as they took off. Soon, it would be us doing the same. Some made last minute potty stops, bag checks and watch checks in preparation.
 |
| Me stylin in my tutu and color coordinated Zensah compression leg sleeves! |
 |
| Galloway Running Team! |
 |
| Waiting for the race to begin |
Here's a few things you should know about Sauvie Island. This is where the huge corn mazes are in the fall and it has vast farm land. Running around this island I thought would be really cool to see all the beautiful scenery. Yeah, no. It got somewhat boring after awhile. Julee from the running group told me weeks before that the course was boring ... she was right. At the beginning of the race there is quite a bit of shade which made it really nice, but also the wind was pushing against us. BUT! when you get around the 2nd or 3rd corner and head towards the finish line the shade disappears. Nada. Zilch. Full on sun in your eyes and making it even hotter.
When I started to feel the hip/thigh pain I voiced it to Bob and we somewhat slowed down our pace, but were still going a bit faster than training. This is most likely the culprit. Weekly track sessions of faster speeds are only for about 2 miles. This was 13.1 miles that I needed to endure. Finally I told Bob to go on and that I would be taking longer walk breaks. I just wanted to finish. My goal of completing in 3 hours would have to wait till the next race. I just HAD to finish! I kept trying to give myself pep talks and repeat encouraging quotes I had read and think about the strawberry shortcake at the end, but the negatives had definitely made their way back into my thinking process.
About mile 9 I realized that I only had 4 more to go and an hour to do it in to make my goal. I calculated in my head my previous race and training times and thought maybe, just maybe. But now I was mostly walking, so I put that thought away. Candy, another running buddy, caught up to me and we walked together for a bit. About mile 12 she ran ahead and I cheered her on as I continued. I kept getting closer and was still making good time. I saw the finish line and knew I could do it. I gathered all my strength and ran to the finish!
I came across the finish at 3:04! I didn't meat my goal, but I did PR! which is absolutely amazing! I was happy and was greeted by my fellow runners and we all enjoyed delicious strawberry shortcake to celebrate. My first dessert since March and it was the best thing ever!
 |
| best strawberry shortcake EVER!!! |
 |
| Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon medal ... it's made out of a recycled bike chain! |
Next race ... Disneyland Half Marathon in September 2011!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
pure excitement!!!!!
My mom sent me text last night asking "R u feeling ready for your half?" I took a brief second to think about it ... truly! a second is all it took and I replied with "I am!" I've run a half marathon before, 2 in fact, but this is the first race that I actually feel very prepared and very ready for. I've been training since the end of February with a great group of people (Galloway Training Program) and a few months ago started going to weekly track sessions (RunPortland) at a local high school. I'm actually very antsy to get the race started, and I'm sure in the middle of it I'll want it to be over and done so I can enjoy some delicious strawberry shortcake, but I also want the day to take it's time. I want to experience every moment of the day. From the time I wake up (3 a.m.) to the end of the festivities (probably around 11ish a.m. or so).
As I've documented in my past posts, I made a 4th of July tutu to wear during the race. I did a dress rehearsal last night, looked at myself in the mirror and just laughed! I definitely felt silly and the timid side of me said "take it off! don't wear that! you'll look dumb!" But I'm going to wear it and wear it happily cause I want to have fun with this race! I don't care that I'll stand out (even though part of me does cause that's who I am) ... I'm just going to be me and run this half and do my best to make my personal goal of a 3 hour finish time.
This week I've felt very energized in anticipation for Monday. Oh and did I mention the strawberry shortcake at the end of the race ... I believe I did! Well, this will be the first dessert treat I will eat since I don't even remember when! It's my first prize to myself for completing the race. That is what I will picture when I get around mile 9 or 10 ... the goodness that is waiting for me at mile 13.1!
To everyone running the Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon .. and those running the full marathon and the 5k ... RUN STRONG and have a great time!!!!
As I've documented in my past posts, I made a 4th of July tutu to wear during the race. I did a dress rehearsal last night, looked at myself in the mirror and just laughed! I definitely felt silly and the timid side of me said "take it off! don't wear that! you'll look dumb!" But I'm going to wear it and wear it happily cause I want to have fun with this race! I don't care that I'll stand out (even though part of me does cause that's who I am) ... I'm just going to be me and run this half and do my best to make my personal goal of a 3 hour finish time.
This week I've felt very energized in anticipation for Monday. Oh and did I mention the strawberry shortcake at the end of the race ... I believe I did! Well, this will be the first dessert treat I will eat since I don't even remember when! It's my first prize to myself for completing the race. That is what I will picture when I get around mile 9 or 10 ... the goodness that is waiting for me at mile 13.1!
To everyone running the Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon .. and those running the full marathon and the 5k ... RUN STRONG and have a great time!!!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sometimes you have to kick your own butt
Ok self, you and I need to have a little talk. You need to stop slacking and push yourself to the limit with track. You are a runner! Go for it! You are doing so awesome on the weekend runs, and the whole day before getting to track you feel ready and want to go. And then what happens when you get there?! What do you do when the training gets a little more intense?! You start listening to the left side of your brain and you wimp out. C'mon! Stop doing that! Tell Lefty to shut up! To go sit on the bleachers and wait till your done! Actually when it comes to running, tell ol'negative lefty to blow it out of it's own wazzu! You have miles to run and paces to keep!
You can do this! Sure it was hotter today then any of the other days, but you know what...welcome to summer! It's only gonna get hotter. So prepare yourself. Eat better the day of track and drink water throughout the day.
You, my dear friend, are in training for your biggest goal yet and you are going to rock it!
-Love from the right (and positive) side of your brain :-)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Running costumes
So I've ran in a couple races already and have noticed that quite a few people dress up for them or at least wear tutus, and I thought, I wanna do that! My next race is the Food Traffice Half Marathon on the 4th of July. I decided to be patriotic and try to wear red, white and blue. I did some research online and found patterns for no-sew tutus. I went to the craft store and bought everything I needed. After my 4 mile run this morning I got to work.
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After awhile I kept thinking I didn't have enough material or it wasn't going to work out. The more I worked on it, the more excited I got as it came together! Finally I finished with the last of the materials and came up with this ...
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I'm still needing to purchase a red leg compression sleeve and then maybe find something to put my hair up with, but other than that, I feel like I've completing my outfit for the run! I'm super excited to dress up for this as I haven't really in the past. The only thing I've dressed up is my hair and that's with a tiara during the Disney World Princess Half Marathon.
I have an idea for the Disneyland Half Marathon, but I'm not wanting to reveal my secret yet. And if I can pull it off, I'll be even more excited!
After awhile I kept thinking I didn't have enough material or it wasn't going to work out. The more I worked on it, the more excited I got as it came together! Finally I finished with the last of the materials and came up with this ...
I'm still needing to purchase a red leg compression sleeve and then maybe find something to put my hair up with, but other than that, I feel like I've completing my outfit for the run! I'm super excited to dress up for this as I haven't really in the past. The only thing I've dressed up is my hair and that's with a tiara during the Disney World Princess Half Marathon.
I have an idea for the Disneyland Half Marathon, but I'm not wanting to reveal my secret yet. And if I can pull it off, I'll be even more excited!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
run, run, run as fast as you can ...
What a packed weekend! It has been filled with running and resting. Yesterday with my training group we ran 13 miles as scheduled. We started out at the Vera Katz statue on the East side of the Willamette River and made our way over the Hawthorne Bridge and ran the west side of the downtown Portland waterfront. Thankfully since we started out at 8 a.m. the crowd wasn't too bad as it is currently Portland's Rose Festival and Fleet Week. After winding our way back to the east side we ran along the Springwater Corridor which had less traffic, but less to see as well. It's a pretty run out that direction, and thankfully a pretty flat course. We ended the 13 miles with going back to the Portland waterfront and this time there were quite a bit more people and it was tough to weave our way through the crowd. We also got stopped on the bridge as it had risen to let the Portland Spirit pass through. Having a break of about 5 minutes after running about 11 miles makes it quite difficult to start up again. Finally finished with a final time of 3:06!
Came home after the long run and took a refreshing cold bath and rolled out the tight muscles in my legs and hips on the foam roller ... keep repeating "its a good pain...its a good pain".
This morning I woke up bright and early to get ready and head on over to NW Portland to complete the Run For The Love Of Dove 5k. I had gotten my entire office to run with me along with their significant others and pups. It was a great turnout and great weather to run!
This race benefited the Stray and Wildlife Fund for Dove Lewis. When the race was completed we were provided with our "medal" of a backpack and a bottle opener on a chain.
We spent some time after the race going around to the booths and got some great shwag from some awesome sponsors: Dave's Killer Bread, PopChips, VitaminWater, PGE, More Ink and a few local dog hotels to name a few. My work peeps and I then left the area and went and had breakfast at the Laurelwood where they have an outside eating area so that the 2 pups that were with us could hang out.
It's been a wonderful weekend and I realized that I logged 21 miles from this past Monday through today! My next race is scheduled for the 4th and I'm excited to begin!
Came home after the long run and took a refreshing cold bath and rolled out the tight muscles in my legs and hips on the foam roller ... keep repeating "its a good pain...its a good pain".
This morning I woke up bright and early to get ready and head on over to NW Portland to complete the Run For The Love Of Dove 5k. I had gotten my entire office to run with me along with their significant others and pups. It was a great turnout and great weather to run!
This race benefited the Stray and Wildlife Fund for Dove Lewis. When the race was completed we were provided with our "medal" of a backpack and a bottle opener on a chain.
We spent some time after the race going around to the booths and got some great shwag from some awesome sponsors: Dave's Killer Bread, PopChips, VitaminWater, PGE, More Ink and a few local dog hotels to name a few. My work peeps and I then left the area and went and had breakfast at the Laurelwood where they have an outside eating area so that the 2 pups that were with us could hang out.
It's been a wonderful weekend and I realized that I logged 21 miles from this past Monday through today! My next race is scheduled for the 4th and I'm excited to begin!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
New goal .... run a marathon
I've done one of the most excited and terrifying things I've ever done before. I just registered for my first full marathon! Crazy, right?! I've been talking with my running coach and he thinks I'm ready and able to do this, so I'm transitioning into the marathon training program of our running group and I was trying to figure out which marathon I should run. My first half marathon was at Disneyland, so I wondered if I should make my first full marathon at Disney World. The only problem with that is I would have to wait till 2013 to run a marathon with the current race schedule I have right now. I really don't want to wait that long, so after much thinking and discussing with a few friends and my running coach, I signed up for the Portland Marathon this year which occurs on 10/9/11.
And I already know my bib number! 8640
This was a huge step for me as I was one of those people who first said "I hate running and don't understand the people that do run", and then turned into "Yeah, running is okay. I've gotten used it and have enjoyed a few races, but never will do a full marathon", to finally a person saying "I love running and can't imagine my life without the running activity and I really really want to finish a marathon!". It's amazing how if we just let go and give something a chance, it can change our life forever!
And I already know my bib number! 8640
This was a huge step for me as I was one of those people who first said "I hate running and don't understand the people that do run", and then turned into "Yeah, running is okay. I've gotten used it and have enjoyed a few races, but never will do a full marathon", to finally a person saying "I love running and can't imagine my life without the running activity and I really really want to finish a marathon!". It's amazing how if we just let go and give something a chance, it can change our life forever!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Friar Trot 5k/10k - May 21, 2011
Last month I ran my first 10k. That's 6.2 miles of running around Sherwood, Oregon for the Friar Trot. Some people from my running group were there as well, but they did the 5k. When I signed up I didn't realize we were only supposed to do the 5k, but I'm glad that I didn't change my registration.
The Friday night before I went to Roadrunner Sports and picked up my goody bag which included a very bright neon yellow t-shirt and my bib number. I laid out everything that night and double checked that I had things ready for the morning ... charging my Garmin watch, pinning my number to my pant leg, making sure my running clothes were ready ... you get the idea. I did my best to get to bed at a decent hour as I needed to be at the race site around 7 a.m. and I lived an hour away. The race didn't start till 8 a.m., but our group was going to meet early so we could get a good warm up done before the race.
I think I set my alarm for 4 a.m. though I didn't actually wake up for another half hour or so. I got ready to go, tried to settle my nerves (as I tend to get the case of the butterflies before any race...or any activity for that matter). Finally, I was ready!
I put my number on my leg cause I put on a jacket and if I decided to take off said jacket during the race, I'd still have my number visible. Oh and the final touch ... putting the timing chip on my shoe ...
I headed out the door and drove west to Sherwood. I got there quite a bit earlier than I expected to, but I parked my truck in this massive field they were directing us in which make me thankful to have a truck as it was not a smooth surface, if you get what I'm sayin. I made sure I had everything ... watch, water bottle, visor ... and walked towards the last minute registration/packet pick up table. I found two of the guys that are in my group and we waited for everyone else to show up. Overall there was about 10 of us that ran. Finally it was getting down to the start time and we made our way with the crowd to begin the race.
At a few minutes after 8, they sounded the horn and off we went! I ran with one lady from my group, Candy, as we are in the same pace group on Saturdays so we stuck together. After the first mile I realized that she and I were going a bit faster than we were used to and finished the first mile in about 9 minutes ... I think. That tends to happen though, the rush of the crowd makes you energized to go faster at the beginning. We slowed our pace and kept at about 12:50 or so minute mile. And then it happened, we came upon the split off from the 5k route and the 10k route. I waved over my head and heard her yell "GO HOLLY GO!!!" But as I turned to go the 10k route, there was a hill....and not a gradual incline. No, this was a hill. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate hills?! Well, I do. They are a killer for me. But I kept going and took extra walk breaks to get my breathing back. I passed a lady who was just out walking and said its easier now that I'm done with that hill. Yeah, she lied. There were tons more hills and it was so lonely and quiet I was thankful for my music.
After quite a bit of running through neighborhoods, I wound my way back into the forest/park area of the race, which meant I was nearing the end of the race. At one point there was a little black kitty on the trail staring into the trees. I thought for sure when I got closer it would get spooked and run into hiding. But I called out to her and she actually came over to me and I bent down (as I was still running) and gave her a pat on the head.
I passed the Mile 5 marker and was so excited that I was almost done and making really good time! Good time for me that is. I was keeping at a steady 12:40 minute mile pace and as I got into the town portion of the run I noticed 3 people and a dog heading for me. It was my group leader (Aaron), his wife (Ashley, their dog (Auzlo) and my pace group leader (Carol)! They came back along the trail to find me and run the rest of it with me! That almost made me start crying. Aaron checked to see how I was doing as I had mentioned to him previously that I had a calf injury last fall and he's been coaching me at the weekly track sessions I attend. We finally turned the corner and I could see the finish line! I took my walk break as I had to run the long drive to the line. I heard them all talking around me, but my mind was concentrating and getting myself ready to hussle across that line! When my watched beeped that it was time to run again, I took off with all I had. Aaron ran up beside me and said "There's that speed!"
Candy was waiting at the finish line along with a few others and was able to get a picture of the 4 of us running it in.
My final chip time was 1:18 and I was very happy with it. This was a good race for me and even with the hills, I'm glad I completed the 10k.
I have a few more races coming up including a 5k, and 3 half marathons! I'll do my best to post race reports from those as well.
RUN STRONG everyone!!!!!
The Friday night before I went to Roadrunner Sports and picked up my goody bag which included a very bright neon yellow t-shirt and my bib number. I laid out everything that night and double checked that I had things ready for the morning ... charging my Garmin watch, pinning my number to my pant leg, making sure my running clothes were ready ... you get the idea. I did my best to get to bed at a decent hour as I needed to be at the race site around 7 a.m. and I lived an hour away. The race didn't start till 8 a.m., but our group was going to meet early so we could get a good warm up done before the race.
I think I set my alarm for 4 a.m. though I didn't actually wake up for another half hour or so. I got ready to go, tried to settle my nerves (as I tend to get the case of the butterflies before any race...or any activity for that matter). Finally, I was ready!
I put my number on my leg cause I put on a jacket and if I decided to take off said jacket during the race, I'd still have my number visible. Oh and the final touch ... putting the timing chip on my shoe ...
I headed out the door and drove west to Sherwood. I got there quite a bit earlier than I expected to, but I parked my truck in this massive field they were directing us in which make me thankful to have a truck as it was not a smooth surface, if you get what I'm sayin. I made sure I had everything ... watch, water bottle, visor ... and walked towards the last minute registration/packet pick up table. I found two of the guys that are in my group and we waited for everyone else to show up. Overall there was about 10 of us that ran. Finally it was getting down to the start time and we made our way with the crowd to begin the race.
At a few minutes after 8, they sounded the horn and off we went! I ran with one lady from my group, Candy, as we are in the same pace group on Saturdays so we stuck together. After the first mile I realized that she and I were going a bit faster than we were used to and finished the first mile in about 9 minutes ... I think. That tends to happen though, the rush of the crowd makes you energized to go faster at the beginning. We slowed our pace and kept at about 12:50 or so minute mile. And then it happened, we came upon the split off from the 5k route and the 10k route. I waved over my head and heard her yell "GO HOLLY GO!!!" But as I turned to go the 10k route, there was a hill....and not a gradual incline. No, this was a hill. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate hills?! Well, I do. They are a killer for me. But I kept going and took extra walk breaks to get my breathing back. I passed a lady who was just out walking and said its easier now that I'm done with that hill. Yeah, she lied. There were tons more hills and it was so lonely and quiet I was thankful for my music.
After quite a bit of running through neighborhoods, I wound my way back into the forest/park area of the race, which meant I was nearing the end of the race. At one point there was a little black kitty on the trail staring into the trees. I thought for sure when I got closer it would get spooked and run into hiding. But I called out to her and she actually came over to me and I bent down (as I was still running) and gave her a pat on the head.
I passed the Mile 5 marker and was so excited that I was almost done and making really good time! Good time for me that is. I was keeping at a steady 12:40 minute mile pace and as I got into the town portion of the run I noticed 3 people and a dog heading for me. It was my group leader (Aaron), his wife (Ashley, their dog (Auzlo) and my pace group leader (Carol)! They came back along the trail to find me and run the rest of it with me! That almost made me start crying. Aaron checked to see how I was doing as I had mentioned to him previously that I had a calf injury last fall and he's been coaching me at the weekly track sessions I attend. We finally turned the corner and I could see the finish line! I took my walk break as I had to run the long drive to the line. I heard them all talking around me, but my mind was concentrating and getting myself ready to hussle across that line! When my watched beeped that it was time to run again, I took off with all I had. Aaron ran up beside me and said "There's that speed!"
Candy was waiting at the finish line along with a few others and was able to get a picture of the 4 of us running it in.
My final chip time was 1:18 and I was very happy with it. This was a good race for me and even with the hills, I'm glad I completed the 10k.
I have a few more races coming up including a 5k, and 3 half marathons! I'll do my best to post race reports from those as well.
RUN STRONG everyone!!!!!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
This is my life ... let me live it!
A friend on FB recently posted a note entitled "Velveeta". No, she's not talking about the cheese. It dealt with the fact that she is single and has been asked that question "why are you still single? You're smart, beautiful...don't you want to get married and have kids?". Sigh. This is my response to that whole thing:
"I seriously hate it when people ask me that question of why I'm still single. To me, its very offensive and makes me think there is something wrong with me! Perhaps I chose this path, perhaps I'm meant to live independently and survive on... my own. Whatever the reason, it's nobody's business but mine! My grandfather told me years ago that he wanted me to stay single, become independent, learn how to take care of myself and not get married till I was 40, if ever! Currently, I'm on that path. Not that I don't want to meet someone and perhaps one day "settle down", but for now, I'm enjoying my "freedom" of being able to do my own thing and be my own person and do things in my time frame. I have friends that are my close family and of course I have cats that are my children. Family members (besides Grandpa) who ask me when I'm going to get married and have kids basically just wanna see me happy, but who says I'm not?! I'm having a grand ol'time meeting new people and going places."
I'm sure that if/when I do meet that special someone and decide to develop something permanent, I will most likely change my routine, schedule, whatever, but right now I love that I'm busy with work and running. And running is quickly overtaking working as that's all I want to do!
So to those who continue to throw that dreaded question at me, STOP! You are not paying me a compliment and if you are so overcome with my beauty and brains, and say that the man who gets me is a lucky guy, then why don't you step up and be "Mr. Lucky man that get's this"!
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