To Blog, Or Not to Blog........ when one isn't running

Blog? Yes? No? Maybe

So, it has been forever and a day since my last blog posting........ really don't have a great reason except that sometimes life throws curve balls. Over the last several days, I have thought about writing, but then...... I haven't even ran in the last week!!!! Yes, it has been an ENTIRE week since I last ran!!!! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I have become that runner that gets so VERY jealous seeing other runners running when I pass by in my car or when looking at all the run photos on Instagram!!!!! Yes, I am having my own pity party at the moment!!!!!! Trying to be positive, but with each day of not running, I am becoming a little down. Just being honest.... and yes, I know that there are worse things in the world, and that this is not a "big" deal, but I neeeeeeeed running for life balance! So, "It's my (pity) party and, I will cry if I want to!" Waaaaaaaaaaaaa!

So, why no running? Well, last Sunday, I became so fatigued! Just worn out! My husband and I had did some major cleaning out clutter in the house and moved heavy furniture! I thought I was worn out from that... but then, things became clearer...... scratchy sore throat, head congestion, and fatigue........ yep, appeared I was getting a head cold! The week went by and symptoms worsened! Thursday, I threw in the towel and decided to get checked out. Received a steroid shot on Thursday and prescription for antibiotic to start if didn't improve. Well, Yesterday, Saturday, I gave in and started antibiotics since now the infection is in my chest! UGH!!! I am the worse patient ever! Anyway, I don't have any fun running stuff, but will blog about some happenings going on..................

Thanksgiving 5K

The annual Thanksgiving 5K took place on Thanksgiving day (of course)....... Last 5K that I ran.. It was a great day! Weather was actually pretty nice. I felt good. Thought I was on point with my Thanksgiving knee high socks (see below), but then there was the guy above in a FULL on Turkey suit!!!!!!! Hands down, he was the one on point that day!!! LOVED IT! :) 

THANKSGIVING & OVERALL PR

Great weather or maybe the socks above put a little more pep in my step that led to a PR (personal record) ......... Yes, I PR'd at 23:42 (official time)- my garmin time was 23:43. I will take it!!!!! Slowly, but surely, I am chipping off the seconds!!! Running is definitely a sport that EVERY second counts!!!! 

THANKSGIVING FUN

All week long, my son had it planned out that he was going to bring his basketball and football to his grandma's house in order to play with his uncles! Below, Uncle Mark was a trooper throwing the football...... my son was so excited that he kept the basketball in one hand and was catching the football with the other hand!!! LOL! :D 

My husband was especially grateful..... usually, it is my son and him one on one with playing football and basketball.....which leaves my husband exhausted! LOL!!! Seriously, our son has two modes: ON and OFF! HA!HA! I would't want it any other way either! :)

Then,,,,,,, there was an INTENSE game of Jenga at our house.... Not to brag, but I am the Jenga Master currently..... yes, mommy has skills!! :D

My son was studying my husband's every move!! LOL!! 

Second of 3 skin cancers Removed

Wednesday, November 30TH, I had the 2nd  of the 3 skin cancers that I am having removed. Remember, I was feeling ill..... would have cancelled appointment, but there is a charge if you cancel within 24 hours of appt time...... but, my mother pulled through and drove me to my appointment. The dermatologist is located an hour and half from where I live, so, not a quick drive. 

These are the initial pics of the excision site on my back..... looks pretty awful, but it is amazing how the skin heals over a short time and the scars fade...... The body is an amazing piece of work....

Yes, my mom pulled through and drove me to my appointment...... the lobby was pretty full when we arrived. My mother said that she would simply wait in the car for me........ and, this is how I found her..... SOUND TO SLEEP!!!! Seriously, who does this except my mother? And, who has a pillow and blanket in the car? LOL! She is a nut! 

Oops!!!! Mommy forgot the Big Arrival!!! 

So, every December 1st, Elvis the Elf comes to visit our house..... with being under the weather, the last thing on my mind was the ELF!!! And, I did forget all about it until my son woke up on Thursday morning searching for the Elf...... luckily, Elvis did eventually arrive and had a hand written note apologizing for being late.... whew..... disaster fixed! 

Below, is my husband...... the next day, my son was having "Breakfast with Santa" and I needed to practice my camera skills.....lol... I have a really nice camera, but I always seem to only snap pictures with my phone camera. However, I decided to brush the dust off the fancy camera and take some practice shots..... my son was asleep, therefore, my husband had to be the model! LOL!!! He rarely smiles for pictures, but I think my goofiness cracked  him up.... he actually is smiling in the photo!!! HA! 

Breakfast with Santa

Santa and Ben had a serious conversation...... Guitar is high on the wish list this year.... and wish list only consists of 2 things! 

There was fun activities as well.... like getting a fake tattoos :)

Showing off his Awesome Christmas tree tattoo

My son and a buddy from school made some yummy Reindeer Food!!!!!! 

When going home, we drove through the downtown area..... It is always decorated for Christmas! My son jumped into the Santa Sleigh! 

Below, my son and I took a selfie in the sleigh..... Make up is a wonderful thing.... I almost don't look sick...... but, believe me, I was feeling under the weather. Had to powder my nose prior to this picture, otherwise, I would look like Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer!!! Blowing my nose excessive has led to a red nose in deed! The morning festivities on Saturday wore me out, and I was in bed for most of the rest of the day.... ugh! But, no way was I going to miss Breakfast with Santa!!! NOPE! 

Here is a pretty amazing decorated tree in the downtown area!!! We will definitely have to drive through one night when it is dark and the Christmas lights on!!!

So, probably not one of my most interesting or informative blog postings................ hopefully, I can get back to feeling better, and I will have more running adventures or stories to tell :) Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!!! Thanks to those that take time to support this little blogging adventure of mine. Thinking that by the first of the year, I need to vamp up my blog..... but, I am not the most tech savvy and will have to do some research! 

UNTIL LATER! 

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Exciting weekend? Any Holiday traditions? DO tell....love to hear!!!

ELF? Have one? This is my 3rd year running...... first year was so much fun and I had so many creative ideas... this year... I may be turning to Pinterest for ideas! :D

Ever been bummed about running? Ever taken an entire week off? Did it take forever to bounce back after a hiatus? 

Suggestions for this blog...... I really need to vamp it up.... open to ideas! 

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!.... and, mastering a group selfie

SATURDAY!!! 5K to support a local high school XC team..... And, a high school that I attended my senior year of high school. Above, is a picture taken during the 5K.... I actually have both feet off the ground!!!! Usually, that is never caught in my pictures!! LOL! 

You can't really tell, but the above picture is a bit of a hill...... I am still working on getting up hills with a bit more ease...... every time I am running up a hill, I remember the words of a fellow runner who said you should pretend that you have ski poles in your hands and push down toward the ground with each pump of the arms..... It truly does make it a bit easier!!!! 

The 5K didn't really go the way I had hoped....... I was feeling a bit "off".....not sure why though. Perhaps, there were lots of factors that contributed to my "off" feeling...... tired from the work week prior, warmer weather than what I was banking on, change of the course at last minute, late start time of 8:30am, sun in my eyes for most of the race, change in my morning routine, being hormonal........I just don't know. However, despite being "off," I had a great time running!! I know, kinda contradicts all my whining about the day, right? In the end, the run was for a great cause, and I was able to see my local running friends!!!! Plus, I ran!!!! That makes it a good run despite not turning out how one had hoped!!! :D 

I ended up running the 5k in 24:43 (time by my garmin... not official time). That averages out to a 7:55 pace. My mile breakdown is as follows: 7:43, 8:04, and 8:05. I did manage to place first in my age group.....however, I only placed first because the girl that was actually first in my age group won the overall female category.... and, there is no double dipping.... therefore, she was bumped out of age group awards. So, technically, I was second in my age group! 

Local running peeps!!!! :D

Sunday...........Long run day!!! Ok, this week, I meet up with some local runners who are quite speedy. I admire their running ability.... and, I do hope that one day, I can make running look as easy as they do! Typically, I run a long run between 10:20-10:30..............this is as per the coach's advice who designs my training plans. And, running slower long runs and hitting my week day runs is what has led to me obtaining goals in the past. For instance, a month ago running a half at 1:54:24 which averages a 8:43 pace. I KNOW that long runs are more about covering the distance and not for the speed. I have read many training tips from olympian and elite runners who stress the importance of slowing down the long run! One article that that discusses this is found on the HUNGRY RUNNER GIRL blog page-- Here!!

Anyway, for the last 2 weeks, I have been winging it because I was actually waiting for my new training plan that is to help me reach my goal of PRing the half marathon in Albany, GA in March.........so, Sunday, I decided on 10 miles and was going to go by how I felt. Here is the breakdown of the run: 

10.01 miles at 9:15 pace (waaaaayyyyyyyy too fast-- granted, it did not feel like an effort, nor was I pushing, but waaaaaayyyyy too fast none-the-less!)

Mile 1- 10:13 

Mile 2- 9:20 (too fast)

Mile 3- 9:20 (consistently too fast...LOL)

Mile 4- 9:03 (again, too fast)

Mile 5- 9:04 (yep, still too fast.... but, I was talking and not really looking at my watch)

Mile 6- 8:31 (again, not paying attention to watch...just running and talking...and politics were discussed --can I blame the fast on getting passionate about politics... I know, no excuses)

Mile 7- 9:09 (aaaaahhhhhh, too fast still!)

Mile 8- 9:15 ( I am sure at this point is when I knew I was running too fast....and, the words of the coach were circling in my head as I was visualizing him shaking his head)

Mile 9- 9:37 (Yes, still too fast)

Mile 10- 9:06 (And, I finished with too fast of a pace!!!!!!) 

Afterwards, I felt great!!! I mean it was a comfortable run...great weather, great company, and I felt great......but, in the end..... way deep down, I knew what I had done was not the "smart" thing to do......and this was reinforced by the coach. I emailed him just to give him an update.... and he quickly responded stating.... "TOO FAST!" Then he went on to remind me of the things that I already know.... that long run needs to be controlled at 9:50-10:15 pace (he has decreased my pace for winter).... that my tempo runs are what are important to training along with the week day runs....... that if I continue to run fast on Sunday long runs, I will fatigue, and my week day runs would be crap which in the end would cost me not meeting my goal in March. So, just because you can run at a pace, doesn't mean you should!!! So, now, I have my new plan in hand, and I tend to stick to it!!!! I literally received my plan right after I emailed the coach about Sunday's long run..............I feel good about the plan!!! 

Below, is the running group...minus a couple of regulars that had to miss..... great selfie photo, right?!!! Well, let me tell you..... there were a few takes prior to getting this group selfie.... we just could seem to figure out how to get everyone in pic and to get everyone smiling at the same time...... see below...

One of the few takes.....but, on our behalf..... this was after our long run...LOL!! :D

Here, we were trying to line up and then each person step out a bit to get everyone in picture.... ha! ha! We were working together, but then again needed another take!!! LOL! :D

Below is my fitbit confirming what my gamin above was telling me...... too fast!!! Overachiever!!!! And, again, I was reminded in an email from coach!!! oops!!!

As for fun events from last week........my son had a cake auction at Cub Scouts! He was super excited about his cake!!!

Each cub scout was provided with a paddle to bid on a cake......YES!!! The kids had control of the paddle..... my son and I had a heart to heart talk prior...... he was to look at me prior to lifting his paddle for a bid on a cake...... knowing my son, he would keep bidding up if I didn't have a say so.... and, considering he didn't have money with him.... I told him he better check with me prior to lifting his paddle!! HA! HA! 

My son made a basic yellow cake with chocolate frosting....... he insisted on having his pack number written with skittles on the top!! I think it looked great! 

Here were other very cool cakes!!!!!

Here he is auctioning off his cake.......... 

Gotta get the nightly routine going....... UNTIL LATER!!!!!!!! 

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Long runs.... are you able to stay controlled? Run slower? 30sec? 60sec? 90sec slower?

Ever have an "off" day and not sure why?

Expectations: Sometimes things don't go as you thought..... in a good way

Better LATE than NEVER, Right?!

My, oh my, oh my!!!!!! I started this blog post a few weeks ago and TOTALLY forgot to post!!!!!  oops!!!!! That just goes to show how busy and crazy life has been..... crazy in a good way!!! So, this is late..... 

Pictured above are some FABULOUS running friends!!! This was at a 5k that is put on each year by my son's school.....but, I had to sit this one out. I had a skin cancer from the side of my head removed 2 days prior, and I didn't feel that  pushing and sweating that close out from the procedure was a great idea..... Hence the full on make up in the picture above!!! HA! HA! HA! :D 

None-the-less, it was GREAT fun!!!!! I got to do something that I never get to do.... and, that was to cheer on the runners as they came into the finish line!!!! Man, it is exciting to see the runners come in!!!! You can't help but cheer loudly for them!!! I had just as much fun cheering on the incoming runners as I do when I run!!!! And, to make it that much more exciting, most of my running friends had PRs!!!!!!! How cool is that?!?! 

ONE MILE FUN RUN!

Below, is my son toeing up at the start line of the 1 mile run..... can you tell by his face how excited he was?!!!! LOL!!!!! Well, let me tell you.... this face is not only screaming excitement, but a face that was eager to take on that 1 mile like none other!!! Oh yeah, inside that 7 year old head was a mission to run fast all the way to the finish line!!!!! Wish he had kinda let me in on that plan..... see..... NO! I was not going to let him run the 1 mile by himself...... yes, it may not be a long distance, but it is ran through neighborhoods with some turns.... and, YES, I am a helicopter mom.... I tend to hoover..... I mean, come on.... what if he got lost? What if he tripped and got injured? What if he went out too fast and then couldn't catch his breath? Yes... I can come up with a million things that could happen.... don't all moms? women? We are the over-thinkers, right?! Just our nature!!!!  

I should have known by his stance, that this was going to be a tough mile for me..... but, I honestly thought he would take out fast and then end up walking to where I could catch him..... I was planning on doing the sprint/walk, sprint/walk, sprint/walk all the way to the finish..... I didn't even warm up because I though I could run at a comfortable pace and he would walk to point I would catch him....... well, that did not happen!! NOPE!!!!!! About a quarter mile into the race, I could tell that he was going to run the entire thing!!! He was a good distance ahead of me and I knew that I had to increase pace to catch him!!!! Oh goodness, I kept thinking, her I go.... going to feel this tomorrow since I didn't warm up.... oh no, please don't let me injure myself....oh goodness, why oh why did I not warm up even a little?!!!! UGH!!! And, I took off!!!! Seriously, I was running at a pace that I NEVER do unless performing speed work!!!!!!!!! I couldn't catch the little guy!!!! I was literally chasing after my son!!!!! I saw a water station and for a brief moment just knew I would get a break because surely he would take advantage of the water station on course...... oh no!!! What was I thinking!!!!! He blew right by that water station..... people that I knew cheered me on saying, "GO MOM!!!" I said, "I am only trying to catch my son!!!" And, I could hear their laughter! ***SIGH***....... I did catch him........ and, I ran the last 0.3 mile along side of him..... I never got my garmin started at the beginning until half way through the mile run.... I only knew the pace we were running at the present time..... I was incredibly SHOCKED when on the time clock was 7:11 as my son crossed! HOLY CRAP!!!!! I had no idea he was capable of sustaining that pace for a mile!!! I guess soccer is making him one heck of a runner!!!! His 2 friends were right behind him too!!! Fast little kids!!!!! 

My son ended up being the 3rd runner to cross the line..... I knew he placed in his age group....but, he had no idea!!!! When they called his name, he said, "why did I get a medal, I was 3rd!" Then, I had to explain that he was first in his age group! He didn't really get that either..... but, then I said, "you were the 1st 7 year old to cross, and for that you got a medal!" He was like, "Oh!" ......... he was proud to have gotten a medal :):)

Following the run, there is always a carnival that takes place.... and, there is always have a rock wall that my son spends hours on!!!!! HIs goal is to make it all the way to the top! This year, he made it about 23 feet up and was 2 ft from the top.... he told me that he was sure that next year would be the year he makes it to the top!! LOL! 

These bubble things pictured below look like a BLAST!!! But, for a mom, these bubble things are simply a great deal of anxiety!!!! The kids bump each other and they roll all over the place.... sounds fun, right? NOT!!!! These are clearly made for bigger kids because my son and his friends kept falling out..... they would be upside down on their heads and other kids would continue to run and bump them..... All I could see was a disaster about to happen!!! A horrible injury sending a kid crying....the harness just simply did not fit kids of their size like the bigger kids..... this fun was short lived!!! Any longer and mommy was gonna need a drink!!! LOL! Just kidding!!! 

Yes, my son thought the bubble things were great!! UGH!! 

Again, sorry for the late posting of this blog!!! I really thought I had finished it and posted..... my bad!!! I will try better to be a little more current.... and, perhaps, post a bit more!!!! 

UNTIL LATER!!!

Happy Sunday folks!!!!! 

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Anyone with kids that run local race? Ever just blown away by how they performed? 

ny fun activates at your children's school? Do tell... our school is always open to fun events! I may steal an idea! :)

PR..... Clarity to new goals.... Zoom half marathon review... and reality bites!

Half Marathon Recap

So, the above and below pictures are of me coming in at the Zooma race!!! Not the most flattering photos, but then again, I don't ever have fabulous picture of me running!!!! LOL!!!! Annddddd, let me point out that the last 0.25miles was in the sand!!!!! Yes, SOFT SAND!!!! Not the packed down sand that is close to the ocean, but the SOFT sand near the dunes!!! UGH!!!!! The entire half marathon was amazing until the soft sand!!!! I worked the hardest running through that sand than I did the entire race...... and, although I worked hard, I was hardly moving!!!!! HA! HA! I can tell you that we runners did not even come close to looking like a Bay Watch girls running..... LOL!!!!!! (hope everyone remembers that show, and I am not showing my age). 

And, it is a PR!!!!!!!!

YES!!!!!! I ended up with a PR......the official times have been posted and my final time is recorded as 1:54:24!!!!! I couldn't believe that I pulled that off!!!! I was beyond excited and pleased!!!!! 

Below is my garmin breakdown............

I was trying for a consistent paced run....... At the beginning of the run, I did not have a pace in mind...... At the start, I had a fellow runner say to me that she was planning on a 9 min pace, and that she would run with me.......at first, I was't even sure that I would be able to pull off a 9 min pace. Usually, I will not know how the run is going to go until after mile 1 and sometimes not until mile 2......... Well, we started and I felt great!!!! The weather was PERFECT!!!!!!!! Once a mile into the run, I knew that all the stars had aligned for a GREAT  race and possibly a PR. The first mile was an 8:29 pace..... I was feeling good. And, my friend was right there beside me!!!! She hung right there with me and kept me motivated!!!!!! I seriously would not have pushed my self if she was not there!!!!! I would have most likely backed to a comfortable cruising pace.......but, no.... she motivated me to keep a comfortable push pace!!!!! She hung with me until mile 9, and then we got a bit separated, but came in within 1-2 minutes of each other. By mile 9, I knew I would PR.... I was still  feeling good..... welllllllllll, except for a DANG rock that got into my shoe at mile 9........seriously, how does a rock get into a shoe while running on the road. The rock lodged under my right great toe.....I kept trying to scoot the rock to the back of my shoe, but it kept getting back up under my right great toe!!!! So annoying!!!!!!!!!! And, if I had't been making great time, I might have stopped to get the rock out.... but, no way was I going to stop!!!!!! NOPE!!! And, consequently, I got a blister to my Big toe!!!! OUCH!!! My first blister EVER!!!!!!!!! I always vaseline my feet and have NEVER had a blister...... but, then again, I have never had a rock in my shoe that I didn't get out right of way.... no, one does not usually run an additional 4-5 miles with a rock in his/her shoe!!!!!! Well, unless you are PRing!!!! Am I right, or am I right?!!!

And..... goals became clear

Ok, so yes, I had signed up for a full marathon in March.... yes, I was going to run the Albany Snickers Marathon to see if I could improve my time from last year......but, then there was Zooma & a PR!!!! I felt so good running....  even at a comfortable push pace...... this changed my focus on running!!!! I decided that I would like to focus on my half marathon time and then maybe in a year and a half consider running the Albany marathon. I emailed the coach that designs my training plans and he 100% agreed! He, in fact, stated that getting my 13.1 time down is so very important in order to have a better full marathon..... so, there you have it, my focus will be on getting a little bit more speedy!!! We will see what happens....... I feel positive, and honestly, I have a great deal of stress at the moment, and I don't need the stress of training for a full marathon ........ also, I don't need the physical exhaustion that training for a full requires. I feel good about my decision and it just simply sits right with my soul!!!!

The after party was great!!!!! Tents where free massages were given......

There were tables to sit at and a band was playing music ......

A variety of running gear and t-shirts.....

And, a few more pics of the beach......... oh how I need to go to the beach again soon........ the beach is everyone's happy place!!

BACK TO REALITY

Sometimes, we may temporarily escape reality by escaping to places like the beach, however, life is always waiting for us!!!!!

Thursday, tomorrow, I have an appointment with the Dermatologist for a Mohs procedure for skin cancer. I have a skin cancer to the right temporal area of the my head....... Mohs allows the dermatologist to cut away skin tissue and send it to a lab immediately, then the lab notifies the Dermatologist whether he/she will need to make additional excisions. I have had to have this procedure before to the right forehead area right at the hairline. It was a much smaller lesion which makes me more nervous about the current one I have. My previous skin cancer measured only 4mm, but my current is 9mm!!! YIKES!!!! 

My previous skin procedure caused fluid to pull to the middle of my forehead for 2 days....and, it hurt! Talk about a headache!  see pic below: 

I will keep you posted on my procedure and how it goes...... at the moment, I have so many thoughts running through my head..... how long will the incision be, how much hair will Derm have to shave, will I have swelling like before, will I have pain the next day...... ugh..... I try not to worry, but the unknown is scary! I am trying to stay positive. I have 2 additional skin cancers to be removed after this one.....but those are not on my head..... instead, one is on my back to the upper posterior shoulder area and the other to the area between my clavicles. None-the-less, it has to be done...... I have worn sunscreen since age 25, however, I grew up in the 70s and the Derm says that this is damage that most likely occurred prior to me being 20 years old.... doesn't help that I have every risk factor too..... history of severe sunburn prior to age 20, pale skin, blue eyes, family history with my father having skin cancer.......*****SIGH******* 

Thank you all who take the time to read this crazy little blog that I write......... liking my Facebook page, following on instagram, subscribing to email, etc is much appreciated! I am no expert when it comes to running, but I hope to motivate those who may think that they are not capable to get out there and RUN!!!! WALK!!!! Just get moving and get healthier!!!!! I started this journey at age 40....... and running truly is an individual path, and your  only competition is yourself!!!!! If I can do it....... you can too!!!!!!!! For those who fall into the elite category, I appreciate all your support and advice!!!! I thank you! 

UNTIL LATER!!! 

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Any PRs or "game changer" races? I feel very comfortable about my decision not to run the full, but focus on my half marathon time

Where is your happy place? Mine is definitely the beach..... and, if I can't have the beach, I run!!!!! Running allows me for one hour to escape and not have to think about anything but my breathing and my running..... it truly is therapeutic!!

When did you start running? What or who motivates you?

ZOOMA Girl's Weekend.... Beautiful weather, beautiful atmosphere, beautiful friends.. what more could one ask for?

HEAVEN on EARTH

Ohhhhhhhhhh, if only I could go back to Amelia Island, Florida where the Zooma Women's race series event took place this past weekend!!!!!!! It was as beautiful as the picture above looks!!!! Reality simply did not exist while staying at the Ritz Carlton.  Beautiful weather, sunshine, beach, ocean, wine, and surrounded by inspiring women......... Seriously, what more could one ask for?!!!!!!!!! 

What about this T-shirt?!?!!! Cool 70's vibe, right? LOVE IT!!!! 

I am not as skilled as my friend Lisa with taking group selfies...... I was aiming for a group selfie with the back ground being the ocean....... ummmmmmm, not even close!!! All you see is us and the boardwalk that we were standing on!!! LOL! :D

Below, was our group that came down Friday to stay at the Ritz..... these ladies were AMAZING!!!! You can't help but have fun and feel supported when you have these ladies around you!!!!!

This pic actually includes EVERYONE that came for the Zooma run from my local area of Valdosta, GA!!!!! How cool is it to have Valdosta being representing from such a large group!!!!! These ladies ROCKED their races!!!!!!

Anddddddd, this is Wendy...... she is GREAT!!! She ran the 12k, therefore, she was clearly going to finish prior to all of us completing the half marathon........she was instructed to have wine for all of us at the finish line......anndddddd, as you can tell by the picture, she did just that!!! Talk about  a friend that you can count on!!! LOL! :D 

Below, is a picture of 4 of us who have children that attend the same school!!!!! For some, it was their first ever half marathon!!! How awesome is that!!! I so remember how awesome it felt to complete such a goal that I worked hard to achieve! 

These ladies are amazing!!!!!! They rocked the half marathon!!!! :)

Here are some fellow Zooma Ambassadors...... I missed the photo op with all the Ambassadors present at Amelia Island, but was luckily to snag this photo:) 

I could really stay here forever........ it was such a relaxing atmosphere.....

Well, gotta run...... have to help my son study for a spelling test...... will have another post follow where I break down the half marathon...... and, I PR'D!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOooooooHOoooooooooo!!! In fact, I think almost everyone that went had a PR!!!! YAY!!!!! Go Us!!!!

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Ever run Zooma? Will you run it again? 

What attracts you to picking a particular race? Distance? Location? Number of runners? Medal? Do tell.........

Saturday...... a running kind of day with 5k and Soccer game....and, pumpkin patch fun

Saturday morning..... I awoke debating whether or not to lace up and head out to a local 5K.  Without going into details, the week completely exhausted me! Mentally, physically, and emotionally... I was completely spent!!!!!! Honestly, my alarm went off, and a HUGE part of me wanted to just stay right in bed!!!! I had a mental war in my head.........."you have to run anyway, your friends will be there, it is a point race, it is one of your favorite runs, IT IS ONLY 15 MINUTES FROM YOUR HOUSE!!!!! GET OUT OF BED!!!!!!" And, so I did......

This 5K is associated with a festival....... "The Skillet festival." People in the local community beat on cast iron skillets as people run by!!! It is a HUGE festival!!!!! Why I didn't get pictures of the festival, I just don't have a good answer except that I literally had to cross the finish line and get straight to my car!!! I had to get home, shower, and round up my husband & son to make a morning soccer game!!! Time was of essence!!!

5K Breakdown

Well, the weather was a bit humid..... actually, it was  A LOT humid!!! The weather forecasters last week were predicting cooler weather...... WRONG!!!!! It was humid! Over cast, but humid!!! Seriously, I am SO OVER IT!!! I am actually becoming a cranky runner because of it!!!! Really just want to stay inside on my treadmill where I can control the environment!!!! Does that make me a wimp? Maybe, but I don't care! LOL!!!!!! We are moving toward  the end of October for goodness sake!!!! It is fall!!! It should be cooler!!! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!! 

None-the-less, on to the 5K breakdown. So.... NOT the race I had hoped for......but..... it is, what it is!!!!

 Unofficial time 24:57 with an average 8:01 pace. 

Mile 1- 7:40

Mile 2- 7:58

Mile 3- 8:28 (I have to say, that when I realized that I was looking at 24 on the clock, I stopped any push. At that point, I really just wanted to be finished and didn't feel like pushing to the point of feeling uncomfortable. It was hot! Humid! I was tired from the week! I had a ton of stuff to do Saturday! I was so over everything)

Some how, I managed first in my age group..... I have to say, a pretty cool medal..... or skillet actually!!! LOVE THIS RACE!!! IT is one of my favorites! Even if I was cranky!! LOL! :D

So, HOME.... SHOWER, Dress, jump into car, and OFF to soccer!!!

Manage to snap a shot of Ben with his daddy and grandparents.... I tell you, I don't have an easy family to photograph .... had to take a few shots prior to getting this one below where everyone was looking at the camera and smiling! 

Below, is my first attempt at the family photo......... see what I mean! :D

Granny Jo even showed up as well..... :)

My lil soccer player!!!! 

During a break, talking on the side lines with daddy!!

So...... after the soccer game, it was off to the Pumpkin Patch!!! Yep, straight after....... soccer uniform and all!!!! Told you it was a busy day!!!

Just love fall........ was able to snap this pic at the pumpkin patch... little dark, but, people were waiting to get their picture too... it was a bit of a rush picture!! 

And, you know your 7 year old is wiped out when you get home at a little after 2pm and he says that he is going to take a nap........  lol

Well, gotta run....... still lots to do and the weekend is flying!!!! I really need a day between Saturday and Sunday..... too much to ask?! 

UNTIL LATER!!!!!!!!!!

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How was your week? Ever have a week that you just throw in the towel and say, please life.... have a little mercy on me?! That was my week, but I still know that I am very blessed..... blessed with stress and all..... lol

Race this weekend? Or training for some upcoming race? Do tell! 

Any fun fall activities this weekend? Soccer games? Football? Pumpkin patch fun? I'd like to hear! Many of you email me and I read EACH and EVERY email!!! But, you can comment below too!! :)

Weekend of running.... Saturday 5k and Sunday Long Run on a new route

Saturday

Ran into these fabulous folks at a 5k in the BIG town of Adel, Georgia! 

It is all about the t-shirt!!

Oh yes!!! It is all about the t-shirt, right?!!!!! I mean, come on, who else, but runners, pay money to run literally 30-60min for the benefit of receiving a t-shirt?!!! I mean we run on public roads that we could technically run for FREE!!! HA! HAHAHAHAHAHA! HA! :D

Anyway this 5K had an AWESOME t-shirt!!! Why, you ask?! Because it was LONG sleeve!!! Yes, I know, I as you will read below, I complained about the humidity, and it is clearly too hot to wear long sleeve at the moment, but come on!!!!!!! Long sleeve really makes you feel like you got your money's worth!!! LOL!!!! ;-)

5k Break Down

OK, the decision to run this 5k was so last minute!!!! In fact, it wasn't even on my training schedule! Also, I really wasn't even aware of it until a few days prior!!! Even missed the deadline to sign up on-line..... literally, I signed up the day of the event. This was the first time for this particular race.... 

It was so HUMID Saturday!!!!! Ok, not as humid as it had been in the dead middle of summer, but dang it, it was humid!!!!!!!!! And, I sooooooooo struggle with humidity!!! I can't help it!!! Getting hot just slows me down!!! Waaaaaaaaaaaaa..... Ok, my whining fit is over! On to the 5k breakdown. 

Overall UNOFFICIAL time was 24:05; overall average pace 8:03

Mile 1- 7:28 (too fast for the humid weather, and actually probably too fast all together... definitely a flaw of mine...I go out way too fast!)

       Mile 2- 8:07 (I really didn't feel all that bad at this point.....even passed by a water station because I thought I could just push without the water being poured on my head to cool off! Not to mention that the water station was ALL the way across the road!!!!!! I was running tangents, and running across the road would have messed up my plan to make the course shorter.... LOL!!!!!!!!! ) 

       Mile 3- 8:29 (At exactly mile 2.75.... yeah, I know, I know..... so close to the end.... I gave up on the "push".... I was too hot!!!!!! I slowed a good bit.... I didn't care that the finish line was right around the corner!) 

Awards

It was an extremely small race! Literally, there couldn't have been more than 25 runners! But, it was well organized..... My friend Lisa snagged First in age group, and I some how managed second female.........

SUNDAY= LONG RUN DAY

Sunday morning........ I met up with my friend Lisa in another town that is actually closer to my house than where I usually run on Sunday mornings.... she had told me about a trail that she has been running recently and asked me to join........

Below was our attempt to take a pre-run photo..... hey, we tried! :D

The trail is paved..... and parts of it shaded.... it was really nice..... most of the trail is wide and not like pictured in the photo below......

The weather was nice.... less humid today and there was a cool breeze... why can't weather co-operate on race days?!!! Whyyyyy?!!!!

LONG RUN BREAK DOWN

11.06 miles at an average 10:21 pace

Mile 1- 11:13 (had to get all warmed up!)

Mile 2- 10:22

Mile 3- 10:26

Mile 4- 10:17

Mile 5- 10:10

Mile 6- 10:08

Mile 7- 10:15

Mile 8- 10:17

Mile 9- 10:08

Mile 10- 10:14

Mile 11- 10:23

THUMBS up because we were D-O-N-E!!!

Future Weatherman

So, where I live in South Georgia, we were out of harms way of Hurricane Matthew...... In fact, people that had to evacuate from other areas of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina came to our area to seek shelter!!! Every where you went in town was soooooooooo crowded due to all the people!!!!

We did get wind though...... and, Friday after school, my son came out with his weather boots while I was un-loading the car and informed me that he was going to give me a weather report..... I have to say, he just might have a future as a meteorologist..... perhaps, the next Jim Cantore?!!! Maybe......

And, we spotted a Rainbow!!!!!!

My son said, "Quick! Get in the car, let's go find the end of the Rainbow!" He was disappointed that we couldn't find it! 

Hope you all had a GREAT weekend!!! Hope those in Hurricane Matthew's path were able to stay safe!!!!! 

Gotta run...... UNTIL LATER!!!!

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How were your runs this weekend? Race? 

Any cool trails near where you live? Paved? Dirt?

Still humid in your neck of the woods? Or have you busted out gloves, long sleeves, etc? 

T-shirt? Important criteria for you when signing up for a race? 

Cooler weather= PR in a local 5K and festival fun

Ahhhhh, cooler weather was much welcomed this morning

Yessssssss!!!! Awoke this morning to cooler temps!!!!!!!!! 55 degrees!!!!!!!!!!!! Instantly, I knew it would be a GREAT day!!!!!!!!!! I had a local 5K to run today....... I was excited knowing that the temperature was cool, and that there was NO humidity!!!!!! A South Georgia Runner's dream!!!!! However, this also put the pressure on!!! I had been making progress in my running times even with the humidity, and with today cooler, it is expected that I should have the best time in months!!!! This made me RIDICULOUSLY nervous! Silly, right?!!! But, I would be lying if I told you that I was absolutely confident that I would run well. Yes, while lining up at the start, I was so hoping for a PR!!! In order to get a PR, I would have had to run faster than 24:20....... and, let me tell you, seeing a 23 on the clock was more than I had hoped!!!!! And, my time put me first in my age group. :) But, having a PR was the main award of today's run!!! PR (personal record) are 2 letters that just makes a runner's heart smile!!!!!!!! :)

RUN BREAK DOWN

OK, yes, I did manage a PR of unofficially 23:55 (time as per my garmin). And, I am elated by this time. However, as always, I think I might have gone out WAY TOO FAST!!!!!!! I say this because I had positive splits!!! I always say, "Stay controlled the first mile and then negative splits for miles 2 &3"....... this NEVER happens!!!!!! So, although my best 5k time, I might not have ran "smart." The breakdown of run is as follows:

MILE 1- 7:25

MILE 2- 7:43

MILE 3- 8:06 (sign that I went out way too fast and it caught up with me in mile 3) 

I will try to run smarter in the future...... and hopefully, this time is not a "peak" for me and I will be able to continue to improve. We shall see!!!!

Running Friends are the BEST

One reason I roll out of bed in the early morning hours of the weekend is too see my local running friends!!!! 

Today, was Emily's (left looking at picture) birthday!!!! Funny that we showed up both wearing the same colors!! LOL! Promise, we didn't plan that!!! 

And, it is tradition for Arlene, Lisa, and I to get our group photo!!!!! And, we remembered to do so prior to the run, so at least this time we aren't all sweaty looking!!! :)

As you can see by the photo below, there were lots of people who showed for the Honey Bee 5K in Hahira, Ga! Such a FUN event. Andddddd, so organized!!!!!! 

Below, me, Lisa, and Kelly (in that order when looking at pic) posed for a quick pic! Lisa and I were on cloud 9 from both PRing today! Kelly is wicked fast! I literally see her at the start and she disappears! LOL! :D

After the race, my friend Arlene and I checked out the Honey Bee Festival that was in walking distance!!! Kinda wish my son had been there, but he was still in bed!!! LOL! :D

Spotted the Honey BEE!!!!!!! I zoomed in the best that I could with my cell phone camera!

The festival had lots of stuff!!!! From food, carriage rides, food, bounce houses, food, crafts, food, train rides, food, and a WHOLE lot more!!!! The food smelled AMAZING!!! And, if it had not been so early in the morning, I sure would have ate food that would taste so good, but perhaps not be that good for you!! If you know what I mean?!!! Festivals always have those to die for funnel cakes!!!!!!!! 

ashionable New "DO"

My son was way over due for a hair cut, and this week, I managed to find time to take him. He knew EXACTLY what he wanted.... he told me that his new "do" was a sample of "fashion"... his exact description!! LOL! I have to say, I like it! :D

He really enjoyed the "MVP" treatment at Sport Clips....... LOL! He said, "I always want the MVP treat!!!" LOL! :D

Things Only a Runner Understands

Tomorrow is Sunday....... which means, long run day!!! I have 14 on schedule, but honestly, I am shooting for 10 miles since I have to work. 14 would be too much and hard to fit in........ but, when my husband asked if we were eating at the Texas Roadhouse tonight, I told him that I would need a nap and we would have to go early!!! LOL!!!!! :D 

Hope everyone had a GREAT Saturday!!! Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler temps... if that is the case in your neck of the woods!!!! Gotta Run!!! 

UNTIL LATER!!!!!! Thank you all for support of this blog! I really appreciate it!!!!!!! 

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Run today? Any PRs or just GREAT races? 

DO you run "smart" and have negative splits as a result? tips to share? 

Do you tend to turn in early the night before a long run? 

Festival/fair food? Yes? No? Or yes, but you avoid because it isn't good for you? 

Busy life lately.....Sunday= long run... there are great things going on and not so great things too

AHHHhhhhhhhh, Sunday! Longggggggg run day!!!!! Today on schedule....14 miles!!!!!!!! Honestly, after looking at the weather prior to leaving my house at 5am, I was't sure that I would make the entire 14 miles........ not to be a whiner.........but..... I WANT COOLER WEATHER!!!!!!!!! ANDDDDDD, I WANT IT NOWWWWWW!!!! LOL! :D

There was a slight breeze that started around mile 9 and that helped!

Anyway, 14 miles is made better with running friends! I met up with a running group at the early morning hours! We took our best effort to take a group picture.... we have some work to do on that!!! But hey, we are runners, not photographers!!! HA!HA! We even made a short good luck video for one of our own that is tackling an IRONMAN today!!! Yes, that is right, A FULL ENTIRE IRONMAN!!!! I can't even begin to wrap my brain around that!!!!! 

ong Run Breakdown

So, I did make the entire 14 miles.... in fact, I ended up running 14.17 miles at an average of a 10:39 pace. I know, kinda an odd number of miles to run, but this was needed in order for me to get back to my car... and after the, I was not running a step more!! NOPE! NO WAY!!! LOL!!!!! I did walk the track for a mile prior to getting in my car to leave. My long run pace as set by coach is 10:10-10:40, so, I was pretty much right there! I slowed down during the summer, and honestly, I am feeling the benefits.... I feel better, stronger, and my race times have improved!!!! This makes me less discouraged about my running.

Mile 1- 11:45

Mile 2- 10:33

Mile 3- 10:50

Mile 4- 10:26

Mile 5- 10:27

Mile 6- 10:39

Mile 7- 10:19

Mile 8- 10:44

Mile 9- 10:17

Mile 10 -10:04

Mile 11- 10:21

Mile 12- 10:41

Mile 13- 10:59

Mile 14- 11:00

Busy week!

Wednesdays are cub scout days.... I usually pick my son up at 5pm  from an after school program, and then we have exactly 1 hour to grab something to eat and get to the cub scout meeting. We live way too far to run home prior to meeting..... so, usually, Texas Roadhouse is where we end up! I am sure in this picture he was telling me about his day..... he is a character and LOVES to talk!!! I actually enjoy listening to him..... with my job, I talk all day long, so to sit and just listen as he jumps from subject to subject about his day, I get to relax a bit :)

He is all about the cub scouts!!! He takes pride in being a scout! He tries to do his best as it states in the scout code....... Plus, there are some great kids in scouts too! They always have fun! 

Below, is a picture from Saturday night at the Texas Roadhouse..... yes, it is pretty much the only restaurant that we eat at...... my two guys always pick the roadhouse!!! :)

On Thursday, it was time for my dermatology check up.... I was so dreading it because I knew of 3 lessons that were going to get biopsied! UGH! And, yes in deed, I did have those 3 sites biased along with 2 others biopsied!!!!! 5 total!!! UGH! I have a scar already to my upper right forehead area due to basal cell skin cancer! I am really concerned that the biopsied that I had in my hair line on Thursday is the same! Soooooooo, I will be dreading that call from the dermatologist office when the biopsy reports come back!!! ***SIGH*** My husband had 2 biopsies performed.... he has had squamous cell carcinoma on his neck..... that is worse than Basal cell! But, still not melanoma at least! Having pale skin, blue eyes, sunburn before age 20, and father with skin cancer.... I pretty much have every risk factor for some type of skin cancer. I have worn sun screen since age 26, however, the damage that I am dealing with is from years prior! SO, my PSA (public service announcement) is to get annual skin checks. And just because you have olive skin does't make you safe! I have 2 friends that have had melanoma and had an olive complexion which tanned easily! Oh, and wear sunscreen!!!

Also, on Thursday, my son started soccer!!! I was unable to take him to the first practice..... luckily, my dad (AKA Papa) took him! Andddd, an awesome mom of another player took some pictures of Ben and texted them to me!!!! I can'r even begin to express how much that meant to me!!!!!!! If I could have hugged her through the phone, I would have!!!

Ben was so very nervous about the first soccer practice......he has not played on an official team sport until now and he was afraid that he might not know all the rules or mess up! But, he had the best time ever!!! He can't stop talking about it!!!!! 

Well, That is my week in a nut shell..... some fun good stuff..... and then, not so fun stuff! Hope you guys had a great week!!!!! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!!!!! Thanks for support of this blog and over looking typos..... I try to proof read, but honestly, sometimes I barely have time to type...... just like yesterday, I later found a typo, but too late to correct..... oops    :-/

UNTIL LATER.............................................

Fun week? Anything exciting? Those that have kids, what sports do they play?

Favorite place to eat? Do you go several times a month like us? Or, does your family like variety? 

Skin cancer? have a story to share? No fun at all! UGH!

Pink Everywhere! Fun 5K for a GREAT cause!!!

Today, there was PINK everywhere!!! Yes, girls and guys were PINKED out all in the support of Breast Cancer.... the name of the 5K was "Get A Mammy!" :)

Age group placement!!

My friend Lisa and I placed in our age groups! :) I was STOKED (not a word that I normally use, but fitting for today!) Yes, in deed, I was stoked! I ran the best time I have ran this summer....okay, yes.... some of you are thinking, but it is fall. Yes, I understand that the first day of fall was the other day, but.... let me tell you.... here in South Georgia, the weather is still SUMMER weather!!! 96-97% humidity!!!!!! And, humidity is no friend of mine, and I have battled it all summer!!! UGH!!! 

5k Breakdown

Okay, back to the run!!!  Unofficially, I ran 24:44!!!! Not an overall PR (personal record) for me... but, definitely the best 5K run I have had this summer..... however, it is a PR for this course! :) 

Mile 1- 7:37

Mile 2- 7:48 (usually, there is a water station at the half way mark, but, NOT AT THIS RACE!!!!! At mile 2, I came to the realization that there would be no water! In this humid weather, I get SUPER hot! And, when I get hot, I slow down.... I use the water stations at the 5Ks in the summer to splash on my face, neck, and pour on my head.... however, at mile 2 I told myself "Suck it up buttercup!"  

Mile 3- 8:35 (At 2.3 miles, I gave into the humidity.... It was hot! I slowed down......... but, I am overall very pleased with my performance! Especially, with the conditions today!!!

Running Peeps!!!

Below, are some of my favorite running peeps..... these people are what get me out of bed and run in this humid, hot as heck weather!!! 

The picture below is my friend Gina..... I am forever chasing her at the 5Ks....... One day, I hope to keep up with her :!

The two fellas below are also 2 others that I am forever chasing at the local 5Ks........ Usually, I keep my focus on them and keep looking ahead..... 

My friend, Arlene was there too!!!!! She brought her daughter which I wish I had gotten a picture of..... I think we have her daughter hooked, and she will sign up for future 5Ks...... Seriously, I don't know how anyone wouldn't hooked after crossing that finish line one time!!!!! Talk about feeling like a rock start.....people you don't even know cheering for you as if you are the first one crossing the finish line.... not to mention the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you made the distance!!!! These local 5Ks have walkers, joggers, runners.... it is all a GREAT time and EVERYONE completes the same distance of 3.2 miles!!! :D

Below are a couple co-workers and friends......... these ladies ROCK!

Managed to snagged a picture of my friends Kelly and Tammy.... :)

Below, is my friend Deborah....... So glad to catch her in time for this pic!!!! This race was great with so many running friends/peeps showing up!!! And, all for a great cause!!!!!! I think everyone either has someone they know, or someone that is close with them that have, or are battling breast cancer!!!!! 

The Men's Race

Each year, there is an event that follows the 5k..... it is for men.... men run in high heel shoes!!!!! The event is called, "A Mile in HER shoes!" Men literally run in high heels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Below, is a picture of all the men that participated this year! 

Anddddddd, of course, I videoed the race!!!!! Below, is the video of the men's race called "A Mile in HER shoes!" The men run in high heels shoes...... it is hilarious!!!! The men are such troopers.... and, some rock the high heel shoes.... seriously, these guys run in high heels better than I can walk in them.... HA! HA! :D

Some guys went all out.........

This guy was READY to smoke that "mile in her shoes!" I think this could be his signature stance.... you know, like how Bolt has his signature stance :):) This guided bolted and won, I believe. Bolt has nothing on this guy..... bet Bolt couldn't run in heels!!! HA! HA! :D

This pic was too hilarious not to share!!! LOVE IT!!! 

When I got home, I was greeted by my son..... he asked me how I did in the run.... I was telling him that mommy had a great run, and that I was really happy about my performance. He then said, "Great job" and in the next breath, requested an egg sandwich for breakfast.... LOL!!!!........ mommy duties..... HA! HA! 

Hope you all had a GREAT Saturday!!!!!! Gotta get to bed.... Long run tomorrow!!! 14 miles on schedule ...... Eeeek!!!!!! And, of course, the weather is expected to be humid!!!! ***SIGH***

UNTIL LATER!!!!!! Thanks for supporting my blog......

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Run today? Training? Race? DO tell!!!!

Any fun races for a great cause in your area? I love that this race gets men out and run in high heels!!! So fun! 

Does humidity really slow you down? Ever been betting on a water station that never came?!!!!!!! 

Sunday=Long run day...... will the days ever get less humid?

Humidity - Not a friend of a Runner

UGH.....the heat and humidity continue in South Georgia!!! 96% at 6am this morning when our group started our long run....... Seriously, i PROMISE to NEVER complain about cooler/cold weather again!! PROMISE!!!! This humidity is ridiculous!!!!!!!

Around mile 9.5 I snapped this selfie...... little blurry since I didn't stop running... HA!:D

We had a pretty great running group this morning..... this is after a 10 mile loop! We were all spent!!! The humidity left us all hot and sweaty!!! Probably should have taken a picture prior to us actually running...LOL! Maybe next time.....

Run Break down

I started with a mile warm up at a 11:26 pace.... had to get the legs moving!!! At 5:45am, my legs just are not awake!!! Have to get them going!!!!! 

Anyway, my warm up mile was followed by 10mile run at an average 10:31 pace and the break down is as follows: 

Mile 1- 10:51

Mile 2- 10:38

Mile 3- 10:43

Mile 4- 10:26

Mile 5- 10:40

Mile 6- 10:21

Mile 7- 10:44

Mile 8- 10:06

Mile 9- 10:28

Mile 10- 10:03

I was cooling down at the track..... I always walk at least a mile or longer after my long run... seems to make legs from becoming so tight later...... and, I had a great surprise of running into my friend Hala!!!! This lady is always uplifting... has the kindest heart! In our busy lives, we don't always get to see friends as much as we would like....so, moments like these are AWESOME! 

It was over a good week....... this was my first week back after being sick and taking a week off from running. I cut all my runs this week by 2 miles. Honestly, I just didn't want to exhaust myself. Will try to jump back on track with my training plan. 

I have a half marathon coming up at the end of October. I have been  debating back and forth about exactly how to run this half marathon. Do I run and do the best I can? Or, should I simply enjoy the experience, take pics along the course, and maybe even a video?...... decisions! I am running the Zooma Florida race which takes place at the beach!!!! It is catered to women..... Honestly, I think I really just want to "take it all in"....... plus, I was lucky enough to be a Zooma Ambassador this year and would love to document the race afterwards on my blog... that would mean needing to stop and take pictures/video along the course. I am really leaning toward this.... I think it would be neat to be able to go back and just document the entire experience! Also, I believe that it will be hot anyway.... and I don't run great in the heat anyway. Besides, as far as a PR for a Half, I really have my heart set on trying that in February at the Tallahassee Half marathon where I pr'd last year with a time of 1:56:42...... so why push this time? 

Speaking of Zooma- Come Run with ME!!!

Ladies, if you haven't grabbed your friends and signed up for Zooma Florida....... DO NOW!!!! The race is capped!!! Andddddddd, you can save 10% with the PROMO CODE: POLLYANNA16

Sun, beach, wine, massages, being around inspiring women, yoga, shopping, and much more...... don't miss out!!!!!! 

Happy Sunday Folks! Hope you have a great rest of the day!!!! UNTIL LATER......

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Still humid in your neck of the woods? 

Ever ran a race for fun? just soak in the experience

10k fun, Visor falling off, talking tangents--smart? cheating?

Never know who you might see

So, I found out of a 10K that was taking place in an outside town named Moultrie, Georgia which is only about 20 min from my house!!!! I had 7 miles on the training schedule today; therefore, this was a no brainer...... I had to run it!!!!!! Crazy thing is that I ran into 4 other people from Valdosta!!! How cool is that?!!!!!! Lisa is the selfie Master.... I am never able to take a selfie of a group like this without using a selfie stick! She rocks! 

Below is my friend/co-worker Arlene..... we were both pretty excited about the 10K.... most local runs are 5ks..... so, it was nice to have a different distance to run. 

Below is a guy named Joe... he has ran over a 1000 races.... I forget the exact total. He is in his 70s and smokes the local 5KS and such.... 

Crowd at the finish line..... probably should have taken the photo from the front which would have included  the finish clock in the picture ..... yes, amateur blogger mistake... I am still learning!! Next time I won't forget! LOL! 

We Placed in our age groups! 

Breakdown of the 10K

Ok, like I said, I had 7 miles on the training schedule. Therefore, I decided that I would run a 1 mile warm up and then the 10k (6.2miles). I debated whether to "race" it or "up tempo" it. I just completed running my first week after being sick. I didn't think it to be wise to full force push race this 10k. Therefore, up tempo run it was. Also, I decided that I would walk through water stations on the course in order to pour water on my head and to take a quick sip......and, there were like 4 water stops!!!!!! So, I did walk 4 different times through the water stops. 

Breakdown: 6.17miles (I am going to discuss tangents!!! On of my other friends at 6.2 at finish on her watch) total time 54:19 which equals 8:48 average pace

Mile 1- 8:16

Mile 2- 8:43

Mile 3- 9:08 (walked a water stop and my sun visor flew off--had to stop run back and get it! :)

Mile 4-8:45

Mile 5- 9:07

Mile 6- 8:56

Yes, you read that right!!!! My sun visor flew off in mile 3 and I had to stop, turn around, pick it off the ground, and place back on my head!!!! :D 

Seems to be a problem of mine..... hats flying off!!!! I think I have them too loose on my head, but I can't stand anything tight on my head.... if you guys have been following this blog, you remember my marathon when my hat flew off at the end....... below is the youtube video if you missed it!!! I might need to tighten my hats/visors up!!! LOL! :D

AMAZING FOUNTAIN

Have you ever seen a water fountain like the one below?!!!!!!! It has a Water bottle fountain that fills your water bottle up in a snap!!!!!! My friend Arlene and I were beyond excited and amazed.... seriously, is this not the best thing on the planet?!!!! I think local parks should have these!!! It would prevent a runner from having to "water drop." I LOVE THIS!!!!!! I WANT TO SEE MORE OF THESE!!!!!!! I think I will write the city of Valdosta!! 

Below is a closer look of the fountain.... Again, THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER!!!!!!!!! THESE SHOULD BE EVERY WHERE!!!!!! 

No FUN being sick!

Let me tell you..... I am so thankful and happy to be feeling better!!! Yes, I am finally back to feeling like myself! Man...... haven't been this sick in a while. This respiratory infection took me out for an entire week!!! I even had to leave work early one day and missed the entire next day of work!!! You know I am sick if I don't make it to work. Another sign that I am sick is that I don't run.... and even more convincing is that I don't even say I miss running....... Yes, if I am sick enough... running and everything else goes!!! Luckily, that doesn't happen all too often! 

I am pretty sure that that I went through at least 5 full boxes of tissue!!!! How the body can make so much snot......I just don't know!!! Ok, maybe that was TMI (too much information)....lol... 

I skipped Monday's run......but, Tuesday I was feeling well enough to climb up on the treadmill in the early morning hours prior to getting ready for work!!! Oh yes, I was back!!!! 4 miles on a treadmill never felt more AMAZING!!!!! Seriously, for an entire week there was NO running!!! No working out!! NADA!!!!! All due to a respiratory infection! I decided Tuesday on a slowwww and steady run and I cut back the 6 miles on training plan to 4 miles. I am thankful that I was able to fully recover and get better! It is a blessing to have your health!!! Life has a way of giving you a reality check and slowing you down...... times like acute illness instantly puts things in life into perspective.... you become more thankful for the many blessings that you  can take for granted.... and you are reminded that there are some things you need to stop stressing and worrying about...... 

But hey, one thing about not running for an entire week was that I was able to do things that normally take a back seat..... I was able to go through thousands of emails and sent messages........my email has never been so cleaned out! I was able to gather and complete paperwork that needs to be submitted for my national certification! This was a major WIN!!! And..... I was able to take care of all my notifications on all the apps on my phone!!!! My phone screen has never looked like this in years!! HA! HA! HA! It is the small things that bring such great delight!!!! So, being sick wasn't completely a waste of time!!!!  :):)

RUNNING TANGENTS

OKAY...... I want to talk TANGENTS!!!!!! When watching the Olympics the announcers were making such a HUGE deal of Shalane Flanagan running tangents!!! Honestly, I didn't even really know about running tangents on courses until this was made into such a big deal. The announcers were debating about whether it was ok to run tangents and that Shalane was not covering the same distance as the other runners...... oh yes, I had to research this!!! 

Below is a picture of running tangents.......

In the article "The Basics: Running Tangents" posted by a guy named Dave on the 'Science-Based Running' web page at www.sciencebasedrunning.com tangents are explained. (side note: that website link takes you to the site I found information-sorry, it does't take you to the exact article). Basically, as according to Dave, "Geometrically speaking, a "tangent" is a straight line that touches a curve but doesn't cross it." He goes on to say, "Running tangents is just a geeky way of saying 'running the shortest legal distance in a race'." 

I did this today!!! And, it worked!!! My total distance during the 10k was actually 6.17 when my friends watch read 6.2 when she finished!!!! So, I covered the course, but legally cut distance! Who knew?!!! How awesome is that?!!!! Cool, right?! yeah, yeah, I am showing my dorky/geeky math side..... but, It is a neat thing to know! I have ran courses before that I thought were missed marked because my gamin would be slightly under the distance for a 5K distance.... perhaps, I was running tangents then.....hmmmmm......

And NO!!! It is not cheating...... It is running SMART!! Race strategy on a course!!!! Shalane Flanagan showed her elite experience with running tangents while the pack ran all the corners.....SMART!!!

HEY LADIES-- Have you signed up for ZOOMA? 

I you haven't signed up for Zooma Florida, DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER!!!! Fun Girl's weekend! SAVE 10% with PROMO CODE: POLLYANNA16

GO to the Zooma web page to register!!!!!!!! 

Gotta run!! UNTIL LATER!!! Hope you are having a GREAT weekend!!!!!!!!! 

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Run Tangents? Do you consider this "cheating" or "smart"?

Did you run today? Do tell!!!.....

Rules you follow when sick? Run? Rest? Run if sick from neck up? Don't run if sick from neck down? 

Quirky things that happen on race day? I can't seem to keep a sun visor or hat on my head! LOL!

Over due blog post... let's talk gaining running mojo back, hurricanes, pumpkin, & College Football

WOW over 2 weeks since last Blog Post!!!

Holy cow, it has been since August 21st since my last blog posting!!! Sometimes, life has a way of getting a bit overwhelming.... not in a bad way, but just a number of things going on.... before you know it, a couple weeks have passed by!!!! With preparing for the start of the new school year, getting into a school routine, preparing and signing up for activities like cub scouts/soccer, working, keeping up training schedule, and then those everyday/every week activities like cleaning/grocery shopping, etc..... yes, life just takes over, and priorities must be arranged.... unfortunately, this blog took the back seat!!! 

The above picture was from the Labor Day local 5k!!!!! It was 73 degrees and 97% Humidity!!! WHERE THE HECK IS THE FALL WEATHER?!!!! LOL!!!! :D

Anyway, this picture was taken right after the 5K! Man, we were ALL SWEATY!!!!! I think after struggling ALL SUMMER LONG.... I have finally began to get accalmated to the South Georgia humidity. Last week I didn't feel the best... and managed to pull out a 25:07. I was thrilled! So, today, with feeling better this weekend, I was hoping ti be able to pull out a time that would have a 24 on the clock... I didn't care if it was 24:59!!! LOL!!!!! ANYWAY, I was beyond excited when I crossed at 24:47? 24:48?or 24:49? Official time has not been posted, but I know my time is in there somewhere!!! I even wrote on my card that I turned in a message to the race timer... I wrote the estimated time down and then wrote, "I don't freakin care about the seconds, there was a 24 on the clock :)" ...... I always leave a little message at the bottom of the card! LOL! Not sure if the race timer (who happens to be the coach that designs my training plans) reads all of them! TODAY, I hear that he actually read my message out LOUD to all the runners present during the awards ceremony.... HA! HA! I apparently snagged the female's master category.... I had to leave early due to meeting a friend/trainer that is helping me with my arm strength and core....... Honestly, the most awarding thing was seeing that 24 on the clock! That is what is GREAT about running.... meeting self goals!! Which makes you feel like a winner..... you don't have to be the first one across the line to feel like a ROCK star..... overcoming challenges, meeting goals, being better than you were in days prior... that is winning!!!!! Anyway, I will await official times..... they usually get posted within a day or two...... 

TURNING GOAL TIME INTO A FAMILY GAME

So, my family and I started to do this new thing prior to me running a 5k.....we created a game of guessing my estimated running time! My husband says that it really isn't fair because I can ultimately run as fast as I want, or as slow as I want which would allow me to get closer to the time  I estimate for myself......but, as I told him, this is to motivate me, so I am going to try to do my best..... Noooooo, not push until I puke kind of best.... but rather, run the best I can with a little push.... to work for my time! LOL! :D 

So, last night at dinner, I wrote down our estimated times..... Don't you just LOVE that my son said 21:01?!!! LOL!!! So glad that he has so much faith in me.... HA! HA! :D 

Also, notice, my husband made sure to have a time that was only a minute from mine..... but sheesh, he could have at least guess a minute less than what I stated.... I mean, give me credit that I might be faster than what I estimated!!! LOL!!! But, it is all in good fun!!!

Below, here is a picture of my favorite cub scout..... we went to dinner prior to a pack meeting on Wednesday..... he is my most favorite dinner date!!!! And, a pretty entertaining dinner date too!! Gotta love the conversations with a 7 year old..... you NEVER know where the topics lead.........

GOTTA LOVE FALL

Ok, yeah, the weather here in South Georgia isn't exactly "fall" like, but by the calendar, fall has arrived!!! Annndddd, that means.... EVERYTHING PUMPKIN!!!!!! Oh yeah!!! Time to sit down with Pinterest and get recipe ideas for pumpkin..... I already started the fall baking extravaganza of making everything with pumpkin with a Pumpkin pie..... and, it was just as delicious as anticipated!!!!!!! I am usually the only one who goes crazy over the pumpkin stuff and ends up eating everything by myself....but, that in NO WAY stops me from baking pumpkin creations!!!! My heart warmed when my son requested a piece of the Pumpkin pie!!!

Hurricane Hermine

Yes, hurricane Hermine reared it's ugly head here in South Georgia. My family was very blessed and only suffered down trees....yes, there is a bit of a mess to clean up, but nothing more that making us do a little physical labor. There were many in the local areas that went hours and days without electricity!!!! And, many had damage to their homes!!!!!!! 

Below, a house had a pine tree go right through the roof and window of an upstairs window. From my understanding, no one was home. But, man, the damage is extensive :(

TIME FOR A CAR WASH

A sign that you may need to get your car washed..... someone writes in the dirt on the back window! At least, instead of writing "wash me," the person wrote a motivating statement...."You rock runner girl!!" LOL!!!! I am not sure how long this has been there.... I just noticed when I went to Target and was loading my things into the back of my tahoe..... HA!HA!! I might have been riding around with this on my car for the last week or so!!! LOL! :D

College Football..... oh YES!!!

Annnnddddd, one of the MOST AWESOME things about fall is the start of college football!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh, yes, the best time of the year.  GO VSU BLAZERS AND Gooooooooooo GATORS!!!!!!! :)

I attended undergrad at VSU and graduate school at the University of Florida!! I support both of these schools!!!

Well, I need to start getting things prepared for the upcoming week!!!! Hope everyone had a safe and fun Labor Day!!!!! UNTIL LATER!!!!!!

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What is your FAVORITE thing about Fall?

Love Pumpkin? Have a great recipe to share? PLEASE DO!!!! :) 

Rooting for a particular College football team? Or, not really into college football? 

Sunday=Long Run finally feeling good!

THINGS FALLING IN PLACE

Sunday=Long run!!! I set out at 5am to meet the morning running group..... 13 miles were on my training plan. At the beginning of summer, I hit a rough patch! Seriously, running became such an effort for me, and I couldn't figure out what was up. South Georgia heat? Humidity? My mental state? I hadn't a clue! All I knew was that I was becoming a bit discouraged about things related to running.... I knew that my running/training had to be re-evaluated!! I communicated my feelings to the coach that designs my training plans, and he was soooooooo encouraging! Decision was made to slow down my runs during the week. Anddddddd, I must say, the last couple weeks, I have felt the difference. Running was becoming less of an effort! I was starting to feel more positive. And, today, with having 13 miles on schedule, I knew today would either confirm my progress of getting back to my baseline, or I would know more work was to be done! I am sooooooooooo happy to say that I had a GREAT run! Felt good!!!!! Mentally, I needed today's run! Yes, I think I am getting back on track! No, I probably won't be seeing any PRs in my upcoming half marathon at the end of October, but, I am just happy that running is no longer an effort and actually enjoyable once again! 

During times when you feel like you have fell backwards as far as running goes, it is so VERY important to run with your heart. The mind gets weak in times like this! The mind tells you to quit or says "what's the point?" But, if you have running in your heart, you keep looking forward and continue on with training. Even if training means a BUNCH of disappointing runs!!! NO, I am not saying to push through injuries or when you are beyond fatigue. However, I am saying that when the mind gets weak, you must get out there and run! Stay with the program even if the performance you are use to or what you expect isn't there! YOU Must, "keep on keeping on!" 

Break Down of today's Run

13.1 miles (Yes, only 13 were on schedule.... but, when you are a runner and you know that 13.1 is a half marathon distance, you can't help but run the additional 0.1 miles.... right?!!! Anyway, the breakdown of today's long run is as follows: 

13.1 miles at an average of 10:08 pace

Mile 1- 10:27

Mile 2- 10:07

Mile 3- 10:09

Mile 4- 9:53

Mile 5- 10:07

Mile 6- 9:44

Mile 7- 10:11

Mile 8- 10:34

Mile 9- 10:17

Mile 10- 9:46

Mile 11- 10:11

Mile 12- 10:17

Mile 13- 9:58

and then the added 0.10 to =half marathon distance :):)

We had a pretty big running group this morning, however, I don't ever seem to get a begging picture when everyone is there...... we all have different distances at times, therefore, we don;t end up all finishing at the same time. My friend Brandy (below) and I had 12 and 13 miles on our plan today. We pretty much stuck together, battling the heat and humidity, and got it done! Here we are looking like we took a shower! LOL! :D

Team USA

Did you catch the Men's Olympic Marathon today?!!!! Galen Rupp did a fabulous job and ran a GREAT race! I have to say I was a bit surprised at how well he did today! I really wasn't banking on him.......but, I have to say, he made America proud! All the athletes dud today, but Rupp was a bit of a surprise for me............. CONGRATULATIONS RUPP!!! 

Another WINNER Announced!! :)

Congratulations ANITA BURTON!!!! She is the winner of the Zooma Free Entry give-a-way !!!!! I announced yesterday on instagram and Facebook, but wanted to announce here for those who only email subscribe to my blog. 

Rest of the day spent enjoying the Olympics and being some what lazy...... sometimes, lazy days are the best! :)

Hope you had a GREAT day!!!! A pile of Laundry with my name on it is waiting for me..... UNTIL later!!!!! 

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What did you think about the Men's Olympic Marathon? Surprised by Rupp? 

Did you run today? Long run? Race? 

Ever get in a bit of a mental slump with running? Did you take a break from running or simply press on an evaluate your training? 

Wanting a Divorce, but there are too many reasons NOT too!

Oh the Reasons not to call it QUITS!

Yes, at times, I want a the big "D" as in DIVORCE...... from my treadmill that is!!!!! ****SIGH***** There are days that I simply DO NOT want to run on Mr. Dreadmill!!!!!! But, as with any relationship, you have to take the bad with the good.........

Running is the wedding ring that bounds me to my treadmill. Yes, my desire to run keeps my heart with my treadmill. My treadmill is always there for me..... when it is too dark to run, the weather too fierce to run, no one to meet to run, etc....there is my faithful & committed treadmill to make sure that my runs for the week get done! 

Routine-running in place=BORED! Yes, as with most relationships, routine can cause things to appear boring and all excitement lost.......therefore, I have decided that it is a MUST to SPICE some things up!!!! This can be done by watching TV, youtube, listening to music, listening to pod casts, listening to audio books... or, vary up the runs by adding incline or adjusting speed during the run! Yes, you have to make an effort not to lose interest and work on making things interesting again! 

Supportive .... the basis of a relationship! And, that is what my treadmill is!!!! I mean, with the support and availability of my treadmill, I have have been able to meet my goals that I set for myself. With being a wife, mother, and working full time.... training runs would have been missed all too often which would have led to me not being able to reach goals of a sub 2 half marathon and completing a full marathon! 

Builds strength-- mental strength that is!!! Any relationship should provide you strength and make you stronger in all aspects in life. The treadmill particularly helps me in the one area that I am weak... mentally!!! Any runner knows that the body can accomplish amazing things!!!!! But, sometimes, the mind can limit you from allowing your body to push...... well, let me tell you!! Running in one place for 45-60min will definitely make you become mentally stronger to not quit! 

So, the bottom line....... there are too many reasons NOT to DIVORCE my treadmill......I see many miles in the future for me and Mr. Dreadmill! And, it is a good thing!!!! When it comes down to it, I really do love my treadmill !!!!!  And, as the picture below shows, I completed my week day work outs..... andddddddd, all because of Mr. Dreadmill!!!!! :D

Let's Talk Food!

When it comes down to it, I LOVE to run because I LOVE food too much!!!!! I am always looking on Pinterest for food ideas and I love when others share food ideas! 

Below is a great on the go breakfast idea..... greek yogurt, chopped walnuts, blueberries, and strawberries ........ this is SUPER YUMMY!!!! Quick and easy to take in the car, if you are like me, and sometimes are rushed in the morning! 

Below, is the house salad from Atlanta Bread Company with added Salmon and Avocado...... made them hold the croutons! This is delicious!!!

Random info..... update on Tahoe

For those that have been following my ever increasing mileage on my tahoe, I just reached 430,000 miles today!!!!!!! Seriously, I think this vehicle might last forever!!!!!

Well, gotta run...... hope you have had a GREAT week!!!! Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!! Hang in there!!!!! UNTIL LATER!! Thank you to all that follow this blog......... 

*************TOMORROW I WILL ANNOUNCE WINNER FOR THE FREE ENTRY TO ZOOMA!!!!!!*************** stay tuned

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Treadmill- are you like me and feel advantages out weight disadvantages when thinking that you just want to throw the treadmill out! 

Food ideas? I know if you run, you have the same love for food as I do! Please share food ideas....

Ever reached crazy mileage on a vehicle without making major repairs? 

SUNDAY Long Run

LONG RUN DAY

Sunday always equals Long Run day...... I had 11 miles scheduled on the books; however, I ran 10 miles and walked one additional mile. So, I did make 11 miles on my feet, but only 10 miles were running. Our running group has a 10 miles loop, and today, I just was't going to add an additional mile. 

Overall, the run was pretty good. I really think I am adjusting some to this heat and humidity. By NO MEANS am I starting to LIKE it!!! Or, that it is NOT an effort for me. Oh, it is tough, but still better than turning to the dreadmill! LOL! :D

Luckily, I had 2 other friends that got up before sun rise in order to join me. Frank and Rhonda definitely made the miles a great deal easier this morning!!!! If you are going to battle the hot humid summer weather of Georgia, it is much easier with other running peeps. As the saying goes, "misery LOVES company." HA! HA!!! 

LONG RUN BREAK DOWN

10 Miles at an average 10:16 pace

1 mile- 10:43

2 mile- 10:19

3 mile- 10:06

4 mile- 10:12

5 mile- 10:17

6 mile- 10:15

7 mile- 10:19

8 mile- 10:28

9 mile- 10:21

10 mile- 9:43 (seems we were eager to get the run done! LOL! Goal is to stay between a 10:10-10:40 pace for long runs..... oops....)

Lots of us run to clear our heads and receive stress...... running creates a balance in life. But, I think the saying below I found on Pinterest seems more true for me..... yes, I need professional help! HA! HA! :D

*Photo credit to ZOOMA Women's Race Series

DON'T FORGET!!! I AM GIVING AWAY A FREE RACE ENTRY TO A ZOOMA 2016 RUN...... SERIOUSLY, if you are thinking about it, look below on how to enter!!! Right now, I literally have only 3 people entered!! Odds are great to win this!!! Will draw this Thursday!!!

****Running + Massages + Wine + Yoga + Hanging out with fellow Inspirational women and so much more = Fun Girl's Weekend!

*****And, you now have a chance to win a FREE entry to either a Cape Cod Zooma run or Florida Zooma run!!!! To enter is sooooooooooo EASY too!!!!!! Just follow the steps below:

1- EMAIL subscribe to this blog. Once you have email subscribed, and received the link to confirm your subscription, simply shoot me an email at mytimerunner@yahoo.com stating that you have subscribed. That way I can verify entry. I need to know how to identify you on email and at the one of the social media sites on Facebook or Instagram (see below). If you have already in the past email subscribe, you are one step ahead, and only need to email me at mytimerunner@yahoo.com so I can confirm your email! 

2- Like my face book page My Time Runner Girl or follow my Instagram page at My Time Runner (@mytimerunner). Again, if you have been so kind to have already liked or follow one of these social media sites and email subscribed, just shoot me an email letting me know, so I can confirm information. For an extra entry, like both the Facebook page, and follow on Instagram along with email subscribing! :)

And, THAT IS IT!!! SO EASY, RIGHT?!?!!!!!!!

Gotta run!!! Preparation for the upcoming week has started!!!! UNTIL LATER!!!!

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Sunday- how did you spend it today? Get a run in? Watched the Olympics? 

Fellow running peeps keep you motivated and acceptable? Or are you more of a solo runner?

Upcoming runs scheduled? Do share! 

My Steps to get running...... & a Saturday Winnersville 5K

Vikings & Wild Cats

If you are local, you know that the 2 rival football teams are the Lowndes High School Vikings and the Valdosta High School Wild Cats!!!!! Today, the two teams came together for a 5k in all support of the 2 schools! It was a fun event!!!! 

Below, are some of my fellow running peeps that were about as crazy as I was to show up for a 8am start in this HIT & HUMID South Georgia weather!!!! UGH! It had to be the most humid day ever! 

Before the start of the 5K, we were all smiles!!!!! Smiling was a bit more difficult after running in 94% humidity.... so, good thing we remembered to take a photo prior!!! 

You know it is a HUGE event if the Chick-fli-A cow shows up!!! :D

Cheerleaders for both teams were there rooting everyone on to the finish!!!! 

There was JAMMIN' music at the event..... my friend, LISA, made a cameo in the video below! LOL! 

I actually was able to run the 5k in 26:31. This is my best time for the summer! I have struggled all summer. Not sure if just heat and humidity related, or if I have been in a funk! Either way, I keep pressing forward and running at "my time" in hopes that by cooler temps, everything will come together! Hard to stay positive when you constantly feel defeated, but you just have to move forward no matter what!!!!

How to start running

I am constantly asked how in the world did I start to run. As some of you know, I am 44 years of age, and started to run at age 40. I wanted to get active and lose some baby weight. Seriously, I am NO expert, but I thought I would share what I think helped me get started. 

1- I SIFGNED UP FOR A 5K that was 8 weeks out from me starting to run! Seriously, this is the VERY FIRST thing I did! Crazy, right? I mean, I had no plan...... nope! Had no idea how I was going to prepare for such an event. I mean, in my head I thought, it is running... our bodies are made to move. Well, believe me, I thought to my self "What the heck were you thinking" when on my first run, I ran 0.8 miles and could not go another step!!!! Andddddddd, not to mention that my pace was not much faster than me actually walking! I felt as if I was doomed! I was under the impression that at the 5K events you HAD to run! I am not sure if I thought I might get disqualified or something if I walked. I was like, ok, I might need to train and get a plan. I wasn't sure how I was going to make a plan, but I KNEW I needed a "game plan." (on a side note, I walked twice during my 5K.... heck, I have been known to walk lately on these recent summer humid runs-- nothing wrong with that! )

2- Find a 5k training plan for your activity level. Yeah, probably having a plan should have been my first step in planning to run a 5k.... oh well, at least being already signed up provided motivation for me to get off my tush and do something! And fast for that matter! Anyway, I have a trusted friend who has been running much longer than me.... I knew she wouldn't make me feel intimidated and would be all but encouraging..... so, I turned to her. Unfortunately, she lives no where close to me, but through email communication, she recommended following a Hal Higdon plan. And, that is exactly what I did! I followed the Hal Higdon novice 5k plan!  He has plans for 5k, half marathon, and full marathon distances! This is not the only plan out there and I would advise searching for a plan that is right for you. Couch to 5k is one and there are many others! Having a training plan will prevent you from doing what many novice runners do..... that is OVER TRAIN! I wanted to run every day! I ended up with aches and pains. I mean, yeah, you will hurt, but over training leads to injury! I ended up at the ORTHO office due to knee pain. Luckily, he prescribed strengthening exercises for the muscles that support the knee.... he said, my knee was fine, but that I needed to strengthening the muscle to support the knee and to NOT OVER TRAIN! 

3- MAKE TIME TO GET RUNS IN- Seriously, the amount of time that it takes to run can be squeezed into any busy schedule. I get up at 3:30-3:45am to get my runs in.... I know for me, I am a morning runner. Plus, I know that way, NOTHING will get in the way because I will be done before the day starts! We all know... when we want something REALLY BAD, we find the time! Love yourself enough to make that time to be healthy and get active! SCHEDULE your runs like you would a doctor's appt, hair appt, etc. Yes, life happens.... we get sick, family members get sick..... and a run here and there will be missed, that is OK! But, the point is, schedule the run and most likely, you will get it done! 

4- BE CONSISTENT! This is the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do... consistency is the key to improving and making progress! Just because you might not be noticing improvement..... trust me, with every run, you are getting stronger as a runner!  Inconsistency only leads to a zig zag path and this causes frustration because you will never feel like you are getting ahead! 

5-Eat well, but don't over eat! For a 5K or any distance under 1 hour, you really don't need anything to eat. If you must, a banana or toast with peanut butter works..... but, honestly, your body has enough stores to run a 5k in the morning. When I first started, I fueled up for a 5k like one would for a full marathon .....LOL! But, seriously, the information you read out there gets confusing and I was afraid of bonking on the course! Hey, 5k distance seemed like a full marathon distance when I first started to run! I didn't lose one pound of weight when I first started to run..... for the first year.... ZERO pounds lost! I was like, dang, I thought running burned a bunch of calories! Well, running 3 miles doesn't justify eating like Olympian Michael Phelps!!! HA! HA! Once, I started to eat right and adjust caloric needs, I did in fact slim down. I started to clean up my diet (although I admit that I still don;t eat as clean as I would like--but I eat way better) .... clean diet allows to eat more food too!!! And, I LOVE FOOD!!!!!

6-HYDRATE! Lots of water! Throughout your day....everyday! Prior to running be well hydrated!!! How can you tell if you are well hydrated prior to running you ask?!??? Take the pee test.... your urine color should be pale yellow! It is that easy! :)

7- ANDDDDDDDD MOST IMPROTANT!!!!!! STAY POSITIVE AND DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!! You can do it! Mind set is everything! In the first year that I started to run, I did in fact run that 5k that I signed up for, and went on to run a half marathon! 3 1/2 years later, I ran my first ever FULL MARATHON! If I can do this at my age, you too can! 

GOTTA RUN!!!!!!! UNTIL LATER... If you have friends desiring to run, share this post. And, as always, thanks for your support of my little side hobby of writing a blog. 

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** how did you get started running? Suggestions for newbies?

**Did you run a race today? Or did you have a training run?

**Does your community have a lot of local running events? Here in Valdosta, GA, there is an event almost every weekend! Always a great way to start off a Saturday morning and give back to community at the same time! 

WIN A FREE ENTRY TO EITHER ZOOMA CAPE COD or FLORIDA.........

****Running + Massages + Wine + Yoga + Hanging out with fellow Inspirational women and so much more = Fun Girl's Weekend!

*****And, you now have a chance to win a FREE entry to either a Cape Cod Zooma run or Florida Zooma run!!!! To enter is sooooooooooo EASY too!!!!!! Just follow the steps below:

1- EMAIL subscribe to this blog. Once you have email subscribed, and received the link to confirm your subscription, simply shoot me an email at mytimerunner@yahoo.com stating that you have subscribed. That way I can verify entry. I need to know how to identify you on email and at the one of the social media sites on Facebook or Instagram (see below). If you have already in the past email subscribe, you are one step ahead, and only need to email me at mytimerunner@yahoo.com so I can confirm your email! 

2- Like my face book page My Time Runner Girl or follow my Instagram page at My Time Runner (@mytimerunner). Again, if you have been so kind to have already liked or follow one of these social media sites and email subscribed, just shoot me an email letting me know, so I can confirm information. For an extra entry, like both the Facebook page, and follow on Instagram along with email subscribing! :)

And, THAT IS IT!!! SO EASY, RIGHT?!?!!!!!!!

***WHY RUN ZOOMA? Well, let me give you a few reasons: 

**Zooma Women's Race series provides a scenic, professionally-managed, and timed race- for both Cape Cod and Florida)

**Access to full fit girls weekend schedule- a fitness Expo and an After-Party Expo featuring wine, post race massages, shopping, and music!

**Water and Sports electrolyte drink stationed along the course and at the finish line

** FOOD at the finish line

**ZOOMA medals for all finishers

**Access to special room rates at the official race hotel.

Share

Enter to WIN a FREE race ENTRY for either Zooma Cape Cod or Florida.....

****Running + Massages + Wine + Yoga + Hanging out with fellow Inspirational women and so much more = Fun Girl's Weekend!

*****And, you now have a chance to win a FREE entry to either a Cape Cod Zooma run or Florida Zooma run!!!! To enter is sooooooooooo EASY too!!!!!! Just follow the steps below:

1- EMAIL subscribe to this blog. Once you have email subscribed, and received the link to confirm your subscription, simply shoot me an email at mytimerunner@yahoo.com stating that you have subscribed. That way I can verify entry. I need to know how to identify you on email and at the one of the social media sites on Facebook or Instagram (see below). If you have already in the past email subscribe, you are one step ahead, and only need to email me at mytimerunner@yahoo.com so I can confirm your email! 

2- Like my face book page My Time Runner Girl or follow my Instagram page at My Time Runner (@mytimerunner). Again, if you have been so kind to have already liked or follow one of these social media sites and email subscribed, just shoot me an email letting me know, so I can confirm information. For an extra entry, like both the Facebook page, and follow on Instagram along with email subscribing! :)

And, THAT IS IT!!! SO EASY, RIGHT?!?!!!!!!!

***WHY RUN ZOOMA? Well, let me give you a few reasons: 

**Zooma Women's Race series provides a scenic, professionally-managed, and timed race- for both Cape Cod and Florida)

**Access to full fit girls weekend schedule- a fitness Expo and an After-Party Expo featuring wine, post race massages, shopping, and music!

**Water and Sports electrolyte drink stationed along the course and at the finish line

** FOOD at the finish line

**ZOOMA medals for all finishers

**Access to special room rates at the official race hotel.

Share

Beating the Humidity....Best deal EVER, and Hot Sweaty Mess

Holy Moly, I took on the humidity yesterday for my Sunday Long run.... and, I was not defeated like last week when I had to throw in the towel after 7 miles!!! YAY!!!! If I hadn't been so tired, I would have taken one of those jump in the air photos! LOL!!!! But, above, is all that I could mustard!!!

None-the-less, I was able to crank out 12.01 (oh yes, I will simply not round down to 12 miles.... for goodness sake, I ran 12.01!!!! IN THIS SOUTH GEORGIA HEAT & HUMIDITY--HA!HA!) at a 10:12 average pace!!! Actually, I ran better than I had thought! I was happy to have one more HOT & HUMID South Georgia run behind me!!!!! Woooohoooooooo!!!!!!!!

After my long run, I proceeded with my usual Sunday morning ritual of heading to the grocery store..... Seriously, around 7-7:30 am is the BEST time to go to PUBLIX!!! The store is deserted!!!! LOL!!! Well, there were a couple of other people shopping as well.... and, sometimes, I run into people I know.....ugh.... and, you know after running, I look like a TOTAL SWEATY HOT MESS!!!! Andddddddd, not to mention that I TOTALLY STINK!!!!!! Let me tell you, I do not smell like fresh sweet roses!! NOPE!!!! why do I mention this? Well, of course I ran into one of the physicians from my work place.... LUCKILY, I was in my car driving through the parking lot leaving when I saw him.... he too saw me, so I did roll down window and wave while saying "hello"....... but whew, close call!!! At least he couldn't see what a total mess I looked like or smell me!! HA!HA!HA! Runner problems, right?!?!? :D

YES!!! You are so seeing the BEST DEAL EVER at publix!!!!! Oh yes, your eyes are NOT deceiving you!!!! The peanut butter was BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE!!!!!! I am not kidding you!!!!! If someone had been standing around me, I would have so asked them to pinch me.... I mean, I really thought I was dreaming!!!! Better believe I scooped up some of these!!! LOL! And, if you hadn't known about this fabulous deal, and are heading out to take advantage, you are welcome!!! :)

Monday morning(today), I headed to spin class.... I tell you, I am not sure if it is me or what.... but, I have been to 3 different spin classes recently (one at 5am, 6am, and today 8:30am) anddddddd not another spinner at the beginning of class!!! I am not the most confident spinner, and I so hate when I feel like the instructor's eyes are all on me. With Each class, at least 1 or 2 people  eventually joined, but man.... I hate being the only one in there! Anyway, it is a good work out and definitely helps on cross training days! 

This is just a random picture from last night...... these are my 2 favorite guys... we ate at the Texas Roadhouse which is the family favorite restaurant!!! Gotta love a restaurant with GREAT sweet potatoes, am I right?!!! Kinda like a grocery store with peanut butter, buy one-get one free.....LOL!!! Yes, I am still not over that I actually got peanut butter on a BOGO deal!!! :D

Well, hopefully your training has started off on a good foot this week. Hope those with upcoming races are surviving taper mode! I am just going to try to stay on track with this week's training. So far, I feel pretty good.... hopefully, I make all the early morning work outs! Take care........ more soon! UNTIL LATER..........

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HAVE YOU FOUND ANY FABULOUS DEALS that only a runner would appreciate? Do tell... I may need to check it out!!!

What are you doing for cross training?

Any races coming up? Pls share.....