Ringing in the New Year

Here's my opinion about New Year's Resolutions: if it's important enough to be a New Year's Resolution, it's important enough to be a Today Resolution.

I'm not a huge 'resolutions' kind of girl, but since I started running, I've taken to the idea of making New Year's Goals. My goals for the 2011 year were:

run a sub 2 hour half marathon
Yep, this didn't quite happen. I made this goal shortly after running my first half in 2:28. In February I ran my second half, finishing in 2:13. Then for three months I did speed drills and finished my third half in 2:10. As I began marathon training, I signed up for my fourth half on a whim and came the closest to my goal, finishing in just over 2:03.


run/hike the Grand Canyon, South Rim to North Rim
After reading book after book, article after article, about how dangerous it is to cross the Grand Canyon in one day, I was starting to doubt my good-sense about my own crossing. I'm so glad I did it though, and as I wrote in my recap, "it was truly one of the greatest, most exhilarating experiences of my entire life." And up to this point, it has been one of my proudest accomplishments. You can read my recap here and here.


continue to shave time off my 5k and 10k PRs
One unexpected benefit from marathon training has been increased speed. I didn't think running longer, slower distances would help me to run faster, shorter ones, but it did. My 5k time went from 32+ minutes to 24:50; my 10k went from an hour+ down to 55:40. I'm pretty proud of the amount of sweat and tears that have gone into those times!


bite the bullet and wear my super-cool, double water bottle, fanny-pack hydration belt on my longer runs
I tried wearing that super cool fanny-pack, but ended up getting matching chafing marks on each butt cheek from the water bottles. Since then I switched to a camelbak and haven't looked back!


possibly, maybe... run a full marathon (???)
DONE! This was the one goal I had the least confidence in making... but on November 5th, I became a marathoner! I look forward to more marathons in my future.

And now some short and sweet 2012 Goals

-continue running injury free
-run a stinking half marathon in under 2 hours
-run a full marathon in/under 4:30
-finish the New Rules of Lifting routine
-run the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon
-continue to shave time off my 5k and 10k PRs

What was your proudest moment of 2011?

What are some of your goals for 2012?

Searching for the long run

I'm amazingly talented at talking myself into and out of runs.

Doing a 20 miler, give or take 2 miles, a few weeks after my first marathon? Sure!

Have a solo 4 hour run for no real reason? Yeah, why not!

But during the holidays when family is in town? My butt is glued to the couch with a warm cup of coffee.

With my first 50k trail race coming up 18 days, I know I need to get in another 20+ mile run (and then maybe a 6-8 miler the next day). I was going to do that on Tuesday, except it was cold and rainy all day. Now... I run in the cold, and I run in the rain, but combine the two and I run to the treadmill!


I grabbed a treadmill right in front of the window (so I could watch the pouring rain) and got to business. Since the treadmills are programmed to reset after 30 minutes, I broke my run into three 30 minute segmants: the warm up, the middle ground, and the run-until-you-puke session.

I listened to the Marathon Training Academy podcasts and had mini 'walk breaks' while I reset the machine every 30 minutes. Surprisingly, the run was over before I wanted to blow my brains out. I still prefer the great outdoors, but I'll consider this a success.

So yesterday morning I was suppose to get another long run in. Since I knew I wouldn't have time for the 20 miles I planned, I settled on 'only' 15 miles. There's something about 15 miles that seems much less daunting than 20 miles.

Well, one cup of coffee later, 7:00AM turned into 8:00AM which turned into a 9:15AM start. Whoops.

When I finally got going, I decided to run at my own pace, so I turned my Garmin to a screen that only showed my time. No pace, no distance. I ran solely based on feel, walking when I needed a break and pushing it when I felt stronger. Amazingly, I kept a very steady 10 minute pace for 10 wonderful miles.

Today I'm hoping to get another 8-10 miles in. Doing 25-30 miles over three days is almost as good as doing it over 2, right?

Well that's what I got.

How are you doing on motivation? If you have extra, please send me some!

A Latta post-Christmas Fun

Merry day-after Christmas! I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas day. It's hard to believe that in less than a week we'll be welcoming the year 2012.

Speaking of the new year, I better get to work on my New Year's Goals! (because no one really keeps resolutions)

After sharing the wonderfulness of Trader Joe's with my mom and dad in-laws, we headed out to Latta Plantation for some fresh air. I always forget how wonderful and beautiful Latta is - I MUST go back for some trail running!


We covered 4.5 miles of dog-approved smelly horse trails. It was gorgeous!


There were tons of horse riders out this afternoon so we did quite a bit of veering off trail to let them pass. Roscoe didn't know what to think of these oversize dogs, but by the 3rd or 4th passing, he was ok with just a baby growl.


Though we only covered 4.5 miles, there are about 15 miles of trails for hikers. Some of the trails were gravel roads and some where rocky, rutty narrow pathways. We saw open prairie-like fields alongside lakeside views.



It was funny to watch the hound in Roscoe come out as he walked, nose to ground, intently following the smell of horses. When we got home, the pups were so tired they put themselves to bed.


How was your Christmas? Did you have a white one? ;)

Did you get out for a run in between the cookie feedings? Tell me about it!

Mount Mourne V.F.D. Christmas Elf 5k Race Recap

We all know by now that a holiday is just another excuse for runners to have a race. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, 4th of July, and of course- Christmas.

This morning our family headed out for the 7th Annual Mount Mourne Christmas Elf 5k. The race was hosted by the Mt. Mourne Volunteer Fire Department and all proceeds benefited the Station. Being the daughter of a firefighter, this was a cause I fully supported!



We arrived about a half hour before the race started to pick up our race bibs and t-shirts. I was a little worried about standing outside in the cold for 30 minutes before the race started, but it turns out a fire station is the perfect place to hold a race. They moved all the engines from the bay and all the runners, volunteers, registration, packet pickup, etc, was inside! It wasn't heated but it was away from the cold and wind. And I felt right at home with all the fire engines, firefighters, and fire-fighting equipment (not even the call alarm startled me!).


David ran with Roscoe while Max stayed with my parents-in-law. Everyone was in awe that such a small dog ran such a long distance. Guess they don't know that Jack Russells are a special breed of crazy.

My running-bestie lives in the town the race was taking place in, so of course we met up (she's the one who convinced me to register!).


Now I have to admit- this race was a little strange for me. When I turned my Garmin on to get signal, I was in the engine bay. When my Garmin asked if I was indoors, I didn't think much of it. When the gun went off (which was really a fire engine's siren), it said "timer started." Turns out if a Garmin doesn't have satellite signal when you turn it on, it's nothing more than a glorified stopwatch.

Once we were off and running, there was nothing I could do, so I just let it go. I wouldn't know my pace or how much distance was left, so I was forced to run by feel.

The course was an out and back on the back roads of scenic Mooresville. There were a few hills but nothing too major.

I passed the marker for mile 1 when my 'stopwatch' read just over 10 minutes. This really baffled me because I felt like I was working a LOT harder than that, and I wasn't too far from the front. Mile two came at minute 18 and change. There was no mile 3 marker.

I have to admit- I started to feel winded and fatigued after the first 7-8 minutes of this race. With no way to know what my pace was, I didn't know if that was from the extra Christmas cookies I'd been eating or if I was really booking it. By the time I could see the finish line and saw my time was already past 26 minutes, I got pretty discouraged. Obviously the opportunity for a PR had passed me. And while I know 27 minutes is a perfectly respectable time, I was bummed.

Usually I sprint to the end- but what's the point when you're not even going to come close to a PR? (I know I know, I'm turning into that kind of runner...)

I made my way across the finish line in lackluster fashion, stopped my watch and just sat down. I really wanted to make a killer 5k PR at this race, but I guess today just wasn't my day. The clock read 27:18 when I passed it.

And then.... I heard the first person complaining about the 'long' course. Maybe it wasn't the buckeyes, sugar cookies, or eggnog that made me feel like I was dying.

Then David and Roscoe crossed the finish line (when everyone gasped at how small Roscoe was and how fast he was running, I was beaming with momma-pride!) at a slightly slower time than expected.

I was still pouting, so I didn't bother to go inside to get water or look at the results.

Eventually we got so chilled that we moved inside, at which point David told me to follow him. He led me to the results and pointed to my name. Under division place, it said "1."

I laughed.

They started giving out the awards. The race director first apologized to everyone that the person who set up the turn around point aid station put it in the wrong place. The 3.1 mile race was really a 3.4 mile race.

Then it all made sense- I didn't feel like I was dying because I've been stealing cookies from the pantry every hour (I should stop that). I felt like I was dying because -as it turns out- I was keeping a 7:56 pace!

Turns out a DID win first place in my age group! But more importantly, it turns out I also made a new PR- sub 25 minutes!

The timing company posted the race was 5541 meters (just over 3.4 miles), and my time was 27:18. That comes out to just under 24:50 for the 5k, which I think I'm going to claim as my new PR time.

I'm over the moon thrilled! Who would have thought?!


I think I'm going to put my trophy next to my marathon medal. And then go have a celebratory cookie =)


Happy Christmas Eve!

Running and some good eats

Today was what I would consider a pretty perfect day. David is officially on PTO, and I took today off (having worked 10 straight days in a row... I know, cry me a river) so we could have one relaxing day together before the holiday craziness begins.

I slept in until the glorious hour of 7:45 at which time I drank copious amounts of coffee while catching up on blogs. After a few hours of this, I started convincing myself that I wanted to go for a 10 mile run. But these guys were killing all my running mojo.


I did eventually get out the door, David and the two boys in tow, to run 10 hilly miles. It was really humid from all the rain we've been having (and are still having), so I'm going to blame my sluggishness on that. The first five miles were up and down (hills) but I was able to keep sub 10 minute miles the whole time. The last 5 miles? Not so much. I stuck with it though and pulled it out. Roscoe ran the last two miles with me, and Max joined me for the last half mile (he's not much of a runner).


I covered 10 miles in exactly 1:40!

All four of us went home, sweaty and happy. While the boys made themselves comfortable on the couch, David and I got to cleaning since we've got family coming into town tomorrow. After practicing for a few hours (getting ready for that audition in January...) and a trip to the grocery store, I made the most amazing vegan Asian type dinner ever.


I even surprised myself by how good it turned out. You can find the recipe for noodles and kale here. I 'beefed' it up a little with some more veggies, but you'll get the picture.

Up on tomorrow's schedule: some downward dog (yoga).

Making Buckeyes

This morning I adhered to a very important part of my training schedule: the rest day. Lately, I've been happily running and/or weight lifting 5 days in a row, only to wake up on that 6th day and feel like I'd been run over by a train.

Working out 5 days in a row takes me two days to recover. And while I enjoy going 5 days straight, I do NOT like going two days without getting my sweat on! The solution? Strategically placed rest days here and there. It's important to listen to your body, afterall.

Since I have no run to report on, I thought I'd share a Christmas tradition with you all- buckeyes!

Buckeyes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Every Christmas, my Grandmother would mail us a goodie box full of candy, cookies, and gifts. My favorite item in her box were her buckeyes. When I got to Ohio State and was told their mascot was a buckeye, I thought to myself, "why would a school chose a candy as a mascot?" I had no idea that buckeyes were actually (poisonous) nuts. I just thought they were candy my grandmother made each year!

Ingredients (yields 6 dozen)

1 1/2 sticks margarine, room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 pound powdered sugar
8 oz milk chocolate chips
1/5 bar paraffin wax (can be found in baking isle)


Instructions

• Mix margarine, peanut butter, and powdered sugar in large bowl until a thick "dough" forms. Roll into firm balls. If they break apart easily, add more peanut butter. If the 'dough' is too sticky, add more powdered sugar.
• Melt chocolate chips and paraffin wax shavings in a double-boiler until melted and blended.
  
• Using a toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, covering it about halfway.
• Place each buckeye on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
• Refrigerate buckeyes for 30 minutes.

Tips: You can make these without using paraffin wax, but the chocolate wont be as shiny. You can also make your own 'double boiler' by placing a small saucepan inside a larger one filled with a few inches of water.

Also, giving an empty jar of peanut butter to a dog leads to hours upon hours of entertainment. Both for you and the dog. Unfortunately, the peanut butter jar doesn't fair as well.

What's your favorite holiday treat?

A Weekend Full of Tooting

Whew! What a weekend!

Ever heard of the saying, "singing for your supper?" Yep, that's what I did this weekend. In order to add a little more diversity to this blog thing, I thought I'd inundate you with flute playing pictures for this post. So don't say you weren't warned =)

I toot the flute.

The fun started bright and early on Saturday morning for Gig #1 with a children's choir. Then it was off to rehearse for Gig #3 for an hour. Then there was the dress rehearsal for Gig #2, a church cantata, that evening.

Fact: it is impossible to look flattering in a period-specific fife uniform.

I came home exhausted, fell into bed and didn't move for a solid 8 hours. On Sunday morning I got in a nice 3 mile run and some weight lifting in before church. After two days off, it felt good to be back =)

Me playing for a famous dude. In front of my peers.
#PeeMyPantsNervous

Shortly after church, it was off to play Gig #2 (the cantata), which went splendidly. After that was all said and done, I had about 15 minutes to get to a flute recital (Gig #3) across town (which I was both playing in and had a student playing in).

Speaking of recitals, here's me playing one.

Too bad I hadn't learned how distracting high stands were.

I made it back home for an 8:00 dinner before passing out on the couch. Whew! Holidays are busy times!

I'm happy to report that this morning I got out for some speedwork- 8 quarter mile repeats at a 5k pace. Since my "5k pace" is forever changing, I decided to go for sub-8 minute repeats. For my last one, I decided to just go for it and see how fast I could do it.

And guess what? I smoked it with my fastest time yet- 6:39/mile! I know it's only a quarter mile, but I'm hopeful that it's indicative of my ever-improving speed (and you know, that sub-2 hour half I constantly ramble on about). And seeing as how the last time I worked on speed my 400's averaged 8:20 and my 800's were 8:45, I'm pretty optimistic =)

On tomorrow's agenda: 6 hilly miles and some NROLFW (I'm almost done with Stage 3!)


Answer my questions, please:
How was your weekend? Get all your shopping done?

Do you play an instrument?

Don't forget about my awesome poll, closing on Wednesday!!

Poll Time

Hi friends!

Let me start by saying: work has been craaaaa-zeee! I work for a small business and we're going through some major changes here (I can't disclose the full details yet) so all the loose ends have to be tied up, accounts have to be balanced, people have to be contacted, desks have to be cleaned out....

I didn't get home tonight until 7:00pm. Waah waah.

And it's Christmas time and I'm a flute player. And a flute player to a choir director at Christmas time is like crack to a drug dealer. We're in high demand. I have 4 gigs alone this coming weekend! (I'm not complaining though!!)

Anywho, I wanted to quickly say that have no fear, even though I'm not posting I'm still taking care of my potato-chip loving self with plenty of running and gym time. I'm slowly working my way through the New Rules of Lifting for Women and I promise to show the guns off soon.

But now it's your turn: I want to know what my readers enjoy reading! Please take a look at the poll to the left and let me know what you'd like to see more of. If your choice isn't listed as an option, feel free to let me know in the comments section or shoot me an e-mail (daniellerunner at gmail dot com).

Happy Wednesday!

A 20 Mile Run, or Why REI Rocks My World

Yesterday I completed my second 20 mile training run for the Croom Zoom 50k in January. I think I can now finally say I've run more 20+ mile runs than I have fingers on one hand!

First things first though, I had to make a stop at REI (aka- Disney World) for a new Camelbak. You see, I've been shoving this huge bladder into this tiny Camelbak for a few months...


And it just hasn't been working so well. Probably because the camelbak is dirt old. And not shaped right. And old. Really old.

So I walked into REI, asked a sales rep if they sold camelbaks without bladders. The answer was no, but they could "damage" one and sell it to me , discounted 5%, without the bladder. While they were busy 'damaging' it (cutting a tag off, nothing major) I went and found these delightful little treats:

Hellllooo peppermint stick cliff bar =)

And peanut butter Gu? Don't mind if I do!

Since all three items were their "flavor of the month" I bought them for under $ .90 each!

Anyway, I got back to the sales counter where my camelbak had just been damaged and the lady convinced me to just buy the entire thing, bladder and all. She ended up giving me 10% off on the already discounted $70 Camelbak. I walked away with this baby for $35!


And THAT is why REI rocks my world and I will always come back to them!

Ok, now on to the running stuff.

I got a rather late start because I didn't particularly want to run in 30 degree temperatures. It was kind of nice waking up at a leisurely hour and not starting until 9:00 am =) By then it was in the 40s and quite comfortable.

The first 13 miles was rockin'. I wasn't paying attention to my Garmin AT ALL and was running solely based on feel. My legs were holding up pretty well and I felt almost no fatigue at all. I got that warm, fuzzy, "I love running" feeling and I could see unicorns prancing around and sparkles were everywhere...


I did leave quite a trail of snot rockets in my wake though, since the cold was making my already stuffed up nose run. But it's ok, the flowers on my Camelbak made up for my flying mucus (gotta be girly somehow).


I met my running bestie at mile 15 who ran the last five with me. She oogled at my flower power camelbak and agreed, it made me look like a BAMF. And no, I will not tell you what that means because women and children mothers are reading this blog.

I had some more random thoughts somewhere between miles 1 and 20, but they're a jumbled mess so I won't ramble on about them. One day, I'm going to write a post of randomly generated thoughts from my long runs. Until then...

I think I reached a major milestone in my 'distance' running with this run. I didn't view the distance as some big scary monster. I didn't see it as a "freaking long way to run" this time, it was more of a journey. I can almost say the distance doesn't intimidate me anymore, probably because I've tackled it enough times to know what it feels like.



Bring on the 30.0685596!

(oh dear God, does this mean I'm slowing priming myself for ultras?!?!?)

Changing the World: One Run at a Time

This morning I attended the 4th yoga session of my 8 visit Living Social Deal. You know what's really awkward? Going to a yoga class on a weekday morning. And being under 40.

I was a bit intimidated because these people were hardcore. I mean, right down to their clothes (and we all know your clothing shows how much of a fanatic you are of a certain 'sport'). We got in, set up our mats, and they started stretching and bending and doing all sorts of yoga 'pumps' and 'dips' and stuff (give me a break, I just learned what a down-dog was).

At the beginning of each class, the teacher has everyone sit cross legged and all-serene like while she (usually, there aren't any dude teachers at this studio) begins the class with a story. This morning's story: why yoga is better than running.

Um, say what? Intrigued, I listened on.

The teacher continued with her story. "When you run on a treadmill, you can barely walk when you get off." (not me!!). "You watch 30 minutes of CNN and then finish the run- and you have done nothing to change yourself or your life."

While all the other hardcore yogis nodded in serene and blissful agreement, my insides were screaming, "no! that's not true! That's not true at all!" Well, maybe the part about watching 30 minutes of CNN, but not the running part.

As she continued to describe the calming benefits of yoga and how it's more than just exercise, I became less and less upset and more intrigued at her (hurtful!) words. Her feelings about running didn't make me mad, they almost amused me in a way a naive child says something about the world they have not yet experienced.

So while everyone held hands and sang Kumb-e-ya, praising the superiority of yoga (minus the singing and holding hands), I thought about how running has changed me, what it gives to me, and how it makes the world a better place.



Running gives me confidence. Making goals, working hard for them, and achieving them is one of the main reasons why I love running so much. It's something I work hard at and can see the improvements in. Nobody tells me I'm not running good enough or fast enough- I determine what I want and I decide if I achieve it or not.


Running gives me peace. It might sound counter intuitive to all the yoga-doers out there that such a "yang" activity would give me so much "yin" results, but it does. Running my brains out on the road gives me a much more serene and calm day. When I don't run, I worry.


Running gives me determination. Running a marathon was not easy. Training was not always fun. But I never gave up. Life is not always easy, nor is it always fun. But I will never give up on my goals, and one day I will achieve them.


Running gives me understanding. Most of the time, I run alone. I can think. I mull-over people, relationships, situations, scenarios. Likewise, it helps me to unwind and when I need to, calm my anger. It helps me to step away from an issue long enough to see it from another angle so that when I face it, I can do it with a level-head.


Running gives me balance. It keeps me healthy and gives me a chance to let out steam or work through frustration. It makes me a happier, healthier person.



The list could go on and on, but I'll stop there. Clearly, the yoga teacher from this morning has never experienced running the way I have, or the way all of you have. I guess that's not really her fault, but if she keeps saying fighting words like "running doesn't do anything for your mind" then I might have to give her a little what-for.


What has running given to you?

(Winter) Suit Up!

Since I've officially run through a complete cycle of seasons, I thought I'd share what I've learned about dressing for the cold.


Let me rephrase that: I'll share what every Floridian (or southerner) needs to know about dressing for the cold.

All the northerners take for granted winter apparel, kind of the same way we Floridians take for granted how you're only suppose to worry about a Cat. 3 or above hurricanes.

When I moved to Ohio for two years, I had to learn how to dress for the real cold (as opposed to cold in the morning, short sleeves in the afternoon). Snow boots, scarves, thermal tops/bottoms, ear muffs... all these things were new to me.

I learned quickly!! And with a little help from my newly-acquired snowbird friends.

When I decided I was finally going to run through the winter (here in NC), I had to educate my thin-blooded Floridian self on the dos and don'ts of winter running apparel. So here's what I learned:


1. Start with a warm, sweat-wicking base layer. I almost always wear a long sleeve tech-fabric top. If it's in the 30s or below, I'll put on running tights as well. I've also worn cotton leggings, but I've never done that for long runs. Never underestimate the benefits of sweat-wicking material for when it's cold! It will keep you dry, which ultimately keeps you warmer!



2. Put on multiple light layers. For me, this includes running shorts over my tights ('cause I'm modest and all) and a short sleeve tech tee. If it's really cold, I'll throw on another lightweight long sleeve shirt.



3. Some kind of baggy, breathable jacket that covers up the upper chest and neck area. No matter how many layers I have on, if my neck isn't covered, I'm miserable (and I inevitably lose my voice later that day!)

4. If it's windy, I'll throw on a headband to keep my ears warm (I inherited my father's lovely Dumbo ears, so they really catch the wind). My rule of thumb: if it's cold enough for the headband, it's cold enough for gloves (though the opposite isn't necessarily true). I like cheap gloves from Walmart because I don't feel bad if I lose one or if they get really raunchy from sweating (or failed snot rockets). Note the gloves come up high on the wrist- very warm!


(You can see a live modeling of the above outfit if you watch the finish line video of the Huntersville 5k. I'm around minute 18:45.)

Recently, I've started wearing a "throw away" jacket when I start my run. When I warm up enough, I take it off and stash it in the woods or on the side of the road/trail. If it's there when I come back, great. If not, I'll go buy another $2 jacket at Goodwill.

You'll notice I have nothing displayed for my feet. I haven't quite figured that part out yet. I guess I could try double-layering my socks, but that doesn't keep my feet warmer when I'm not running. I usually wear regular socks and my toes thaw after about 3 miles.

So there you have it- a Floridian's opinion on how to dress for winter running!


How do you stay warm in the winter while you're running?

What kind of socks would you recommend to keep feet warm? And are they really worth the $$$?

Huntersville Holiday 5k Recap

This morning I woke up bright and early to run the 1st Annual Huntersville Holiday 5k. There was an accompanying half marathon for this race (they got really sweet, long sleeve tech tees!) that I was so tempted to run instead. However, I registered for this race a few weeks before the Savannah Marathon and wanted to view it as a fun, easy race to look forward to after my first marathon.

The race was hosted by Fleet Feet in Huntersville (my all time favorite local running store!), who opened their doors bright and early to offer runners the warmth of their store and convenience of their porcelain thrones. The race began in the Birkdale Shopping Center before wondering around some sleepy neighborhoods, turning around and backtracking to finish back at Birkdale.

There were about 500 runners in total for the half and 5k. And based on how few people I saw turn off for the 5k, I'm assuming the majority of entrants ran the 13.1 miles.

My goal for this race was not to PR. My goal, plain and simple, was to get a 'tune up' 5k under my belt for the Elf 5k in a few weeks. I remember how hard it was to get my PR at the CPCC 5k, and I didn't think I had that in me.

I put myself near the front so I wouldn't have to deal with the walkers (and the people who suddenly stop and walk). I wanted to start fast and see what I could do with it. I figured a 5k is short enough there's really no harm in 'going out too fast' because by the time you realize it, you're a half mile from the the finish anyway.

I channeled my inner Kara Goucher and thought of my friend, Steve:

That's what I looked like. Minus the 'stache.

The first mile was a gentle downhill and I had the camaraderie of a large handful of runners. The second mile had a little up and down, but I was still feeling good and passing people. Close to the end of mile 2, the 5k and half split. I did not regret my decision to run the 5k on this chilly, 35 degree morning!

Mile 3 was a struggle. That gentle downhill on the way out seemed like a monstrous uphill on the way back. There were no women around me, it was just me and the old guys. I figured all the girls were way ahead of me by now.

I kept telling myself to think of form: head up, swing the arms, high turn over. Half a mile to go. Less than 5 minutes left. I can do anything for 5 minutes. Another old dude passes me. Turn the corner, see the finish. Fight the nausea. Fight it!

I finished in 25:46- good enough for a new PR!


Also good enough for... wait for it...



SECOND IN MY AGE GROUP!!!!!!!! (8th female overall)


Y'all, I am living, walking, breathing PROOF that slower runners can get faster! A few years ago, my average 5k time was 35+ minutes. Now- 25:47!! (I'll be signing autographs at the end of this post). I know this was a small race, but I'm going to say my awesome time is what got me my placement ;)

After I finished, I plopped my butt on the ground to recover. Once I could breath normally and my world wasn't spinning, I grabbed some water and Power Bar Energy Bites.


There was some more food and drink there, but I thought the half-ers deserved it more than me. Once I started to get chilled, I headed back to my car to leave (I had a date with the gym for a NROLFW session).

So that was the Huntersville Holiday 5k/Half Marathon. Overall, they did a pretty good job for their first time. My only gripe is there doesn't appear to be any awards for age group winners (wow, I never thought I'd be able to complain about that!).

Did you race this weekend? How was it?

Ever surprised yourself by placing in your age group?

Racing on hold

Roscoe and I had a great run this morning. That little crazy thing ran 4 10-minute miles! Every time we'd stop for a walk break he would look up at me with those big brown eyes ad jump up and down. Oh, crazy Jack Russells...

As you may remember, I went a little crazy registering for races during my marathon recovery week. I signed up for a 10k, two 5ks and (gulp) a 50k. The last of the races, the 50k, is the third week of January.

And that's as far out as I've registered. If you take a look at my "Running Resume" you'll see I've raced at least once a month, sometimes twice, for the past year. So not having anything on my calendar after January is a little unnerving.

It's not that there aren't races I want to run. On the contrary, I would love to run the Gainesville 5 Points of Life Marathon in February, the Gasparilla Challenge in early March followed by the Charlotte Motor Speedway Half a few weeks later. Then there is the awesome Charlotte RaceFest Half in April. And then there is the Bayshore Marathon in Michigan that I would LOOOOVE to join Megan and Beth on in May.

What's stopping me? It's not the money (although it would be pretty pricey). It's the scary realization that I'll be taking auditions hot and heavy in the new year (my first one is scheduled for the last week in January!), and I have no idea where I'll be in 3... 4... 5 months from now.

Let me back track. I mentioned briefly in this post my aspirations to play in an Armed Forces band. And both David and I both strongly feel like the time is right for me to start actively pursuing this dream. That means I start taking auditions (think really intense interviews). It means I sign a contract, enlist, go through boot camp. And it means we move to a completely new city.

So that means no advance race planning. For a while. But to play in an Armed Forces band is my dream, and I have to go after it. Putting my racing on hold for this is a good thing.

I'm still training for my sub 2 hour half marathon. Although I don't know when it will happen, I know it will eventually happen. I want to run another marathon, but it will be when the time is right.

So if you've been wondering where my racing spirit is (because I know you all really noticed), that's where it is.

Ever put running racing on hold for something else?