Tuesday, December 29, 2015

My Year in Bling


This was the year I was going to add a beautiful marathon medal to my collection.  I spent months training in the heat for the Chicago Marathon which I then had to DNS.  From late September until now I've been busy rehabbing a stress fracture and lingering foot neuroma. 
 
I managed to run 18 races this year, but that's much lower than prior years.


Half Marathons = 8




 
I was thrilled to place in two half marathons!




Admittedly, a little freaky....
The other races:


1) 10k     ** 1st in Age Group


1) 7 Miler Virtual


1) 8k


1) 4 Miler  ** 1st in Age Group


6) 5ks:

**  3rd Overall Female
**  Masters Win
**  Grand Masters Win
**  3rd in Age Group (Twice)

 
 


A hand carved award from a 5k
trail run at a nature preserve.





What makes a medal extra special for you?




Thanks to the wonderful hosts of Tuesday on the Run:

Patty @ My no-guilt life!
Marcia @ Marcia's Healthy Slice
 Ericka @ MCM Mama Runs,








Sunday, December 27, 2015

Whew! (WW # 21)

Welcome!  This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  The purpose is to connect with and support other active women.  We want to hear about your adventures. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!   {See complete rules}

Don't forget to use this badge in your post.
 


Holy cow!  What a warm and stormy week in the south!  Add that to birthday and holiday celebrations and I'm afraid this week was less than stellar. After last weekend's training peak and Monday's alcohol injection to treat my foot neuroma, my first planned run was not until Wednesday.  However, it was storming and didn't happen.  I don't do lightning.  This was just as well as my foot was still sore and swollen from the injection.


Christmas Eve I was able to squeeze in 6 early miles between storms and before leaving on an all day trip.  Traveling in the car for over 400 miles, making several stops to visit family members and the intense lightning and never-ending sheets of rain made for a very long day.

After the wonderful and chaotic Christmas Day festivities at our house, we all went to see Star Wars that night.  I don't think I saw all of the newer movies, but it didn't seem to matter.  I picked the story right up.  I'm glad my kids didn't tell me any spoilers since they had already seen it once on opening night.  

My teens received silly Wookiee shoes for Christmas.  Thanks to the brainchild of my sister, we sang and danced to "I want to put on...my my my my my Wookiee shoes" (a la KC and the Sunshine Band) repeatedly.  I've got to download this old 70s song to give me a pick-me-up during the marathon!


Saturday morning I ran 15 miles, struggling in the 75 degrees 100% humidity weather. My IT band began pulling at mile 13.  I found it oddly comforting something other than my foot was giving me problems!  I added walk breaks to get a little more time on my feet and called it a day at mile 15.  Two weeks from the Disney Marathon  -- It is what it is.  

Sunday I rode on the new bike trainer I received for Christmas for 100 minutes.  I watched a DVR'd Christmas movie and the time went fairly quickly.  It's definitely hotter inside.  Next time, I'll get the floor fan out of storage.  Mojo sat up and stared at me the entire time, fighting the urge to nod off.  Weird dog.


Summary: In the chaos of a hectic stormy holiday week, I managed to run twice for 21 miles and ride on the bike trainer once for 100 minutes.  I guess I'm officially in taper mode...for a marathon I didn't conventionally train for.  Hmm....

And that's a wrap!

Were you able to get your workouts in this week?





Tuesday, December 22, 2015

enJOY (My Christmas Card)

I tried my best to find a Christmas song that included the word JOY.  There is the obvious JOY to the World, but the key of D uses too many of the sticking keys on my old piano.  Then there is God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (with the beautiful phrase tidings of comfort and JOY), but written in the key of G it's just as bad.  Google wasn't helping at all. 

So, it is simply in the spirit of sharing the JOY of this season that I post my virtual musical Christmas card to you.  Here is my toe tapping, out of tune, sticking keys version of Winter Wonderland, in the good ol' key of E-flat.  


 I hope you enJOY.


 

 

Merry Christmas!




I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.

Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers.  It's fun!



Sunday, December 20, 2015

Open Those Flood Gates (WW # 20)

Welcome!  This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  The purpose is to connect with and support other active women.  We want to hear about your adventures. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!   {See complete rules}

Don't forget to use this badge in your post.
 



Tuesday - Ran 7 miles

Thursday - Ran 5 miles 

Have you heard?  We selected the winner of the $75 Lucky Linker Giveaway.   We sincerely thank all who have linked with us this year.  It has been amazing getting to know all of you and we hope you will continue to link with us in 2016.  We will have more surprises and giveaways to come.
 

I made these with my grandson


Saturday - Ran 12 miles

I originally planned to do another pool running session, but ultimately decided time on my feet would serve me better.  This run was emotional for me (well honestly, all of them have been).   I had my Christmas music playing, the weather was pure mid-40s-light-wind perfection, and it just didn't feel as tough as I expected. All of that just opened those flood gates... 

Also, taking a cue from Jennifer from Running On Lentils, I did not look at my watch all week for pacing information.  I let that be a surprise at the end. However, I don't cover it up because I like to keep the display on the heart rate screen and just monitor that number. 

I participated in the Holiday Card Swap hosted by Fairytales and Fitness. Thank you Lacey and Meranda for hosting this fun event!  I was introduced to Meg from Meg Go Run who sent me the sweetest card and note.  Thinking I needed a bit of luck, she came up with the super creative idea to buy me a lottery ticket.  Then she realized geography would be an issue, so instead she sent me the money to buy a local one.  {If I win big, will I need to split the proceeds?}  My card went to Chaitali from Running and Enjoying the Journey with a couple of surprises tucked inside.



Sunday - Biked 60 miles

I wanted one more super long "alternative run" before starting a taper for Disney, so it was back on my bike. Feeling a little sub-par, I rode 60 miles which took 4 hours and 20 minutes.  That will be my last personal distance record for a while.  Again, toward the end of this ride I got all emotional. What is wrong with me?  Speaking of taper -- I'm clueless.  I will definitely taper off the bike mileage, but don't have running miles to taper from. I would like to increase the time on my feet for one more week.  We'll see.

I didn't get as much accomplished on the last weekend before Christmas as I should have.  {Sigh -- let it go...let it go}  Of course this week will be crazy.  My birthday is just a few days before Christmas too.  Check out my birthday post from last year.  
 

In summary: 

Ran Three Times for 22 Miles
Biked One Time for 60 Miles

And that's a wrap!






Did you get everything accomplished this weekend?

Will your upcoming week be crazy or quiet?



Friday, December 18, 2015

Runfessions (Holiday)





I Runfess...

I've been a bit of a Scrooge.  Shop, Clean, Cook, WrapBah Humbug.  I haven't participated in anything spirit-lifting yet either. However, on my runs this week I really enjoyed the houses in our neighborhood that leave their Christmas lights on overnight.  It is so serene and peaceful to run by in the still, quiet darkness and see those houses aglow. I need to remember to turn my own display on before I go for a run!  And then get back home before daylight.    
 
 
 
 
I Runfess...
 
These magically hopped into my grocery cart last week.  I can't remember how many years it's been since I ate a Debbie Cake.  IT.WAS.GOOD.   And please don't ask me about the copious amount of Egg Nog I've already consumed this season.  Calcium is good for mending bones, right?
 
 
 
I Runfess...
 
I'm glad to be running again, even on a limited basis.  I will freely admit now how much I dislike pool running.  It definitely served it's purpose and highly recommend it if you are injured.  But, would anybody enjoy it?  I don't think so.  But, I'm being pulled to do one more session for old times' sake.  I like to meet my goal numbers!  I planned to work up to 3 non-stop hours and I only got to 2:45.  Argh!  I simply don't think I can let that go...  How insane is that?  You decide.


 

 
 
What would you like to runfess?




I'm linking up with Marcia today from Marcia's Healthy Slice
Please stop by and join in with your Runfessions!


Thursday, December 17, 2015

We've Got A Winner!



Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin and I have been hosting a giveaway on the Weekly Wrap.  Today was the day to select the winner.
 
We appreciate every linker we've had this year. For the record, we've had 65 different linkers since our start 19 weeks ago.  Before we get to the winner, we'd like to give a HUGE shout out  to: Darlene @ My First 5k & More,  Judy @ Chocolate Runs Judy, Karen @ French Inspiration, Lesley @ In Lesley's Corner and Sharon @ Run-Hike-Play who linked each and every week!  Amazing!  Thank you, ladies!

It's been great fun getting to know everyone.   We truly thank you for the time you spent reading the other blogs and leaving comments. We hope you found some wonderful new connections and will continue to link with us in 2016.  It's all about supporting one another.  Have no fear, there will be other giveaways and surprises next year too!  Stayed tuned. 
 


Tricia selected the winner the old school way (thanks for your hard work Tricia!).  See her two short videos:






 



And the winner is...
 
 
Kelli @ KelliWrightRacing (Destination Awesome)
 
Kelli won a $75 Amazon gift card!

Hip Hip Hooray!



 

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

It's Stressful To... (Holiday Version)


Shop for people who don't need (or declare they don't want) anything
 
Trim the tree and find out some of the lights will not work

Remove shards of glass from all the food that was heating in the oven when the Pyrex dish exploded 10 minutes before Christmas dinner was to be served

Expect to use your hair dryer but forget you'll trip a breaker from all of your outdoor lights

Sit down to finally wrap presents and realize you have no tape

Smile when a sister-in-law refuses to eat anything you cook (aka the entire meal)

Forget cellophane bakery bags can catch fire in the microwave

Unstop the overflowing upstairs toilet with a house full of guests

Lose the quarter-sized turtle Santa has for your child and not find him until 3 a.m. Christmas morning -- under the stove



These are all true holiday happenings!

Share one of yours!


I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.

Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers.  It's fun!













Tuesday, December 15, 2015

DNS? Oh, yes!


My first very marathon! Chicago it would be!
I trained in southern heat, that insane humidity

But two weeks before on a taper run no less
There's a pain in my foot, around mile 8 - I guess

Doc says, "There's a fracture on the top of your foot"
Which made me quite crazy, very mildly put

What do you do when you're down for the count
Why you get a new bike and on it you mount

You ride, you pedal, you attempt a few smiles
Increase that heart rate, rack up those miles

You can't let your training be all in vain
Let's add pool running, just stay in your lane

You shed many tears, you stomp and you moan
But none of that helps you heal up that bone

You drink milk, eat yogurt, cheese and some greens
Calcium is important on the internet you've seen 

You try as you might to get lots of rest
But stress over Disney puts that to the test

You accept the support from the friends you have found
And hope your foot heals, is healthy and sound  

You'll be grateful when given the green light to go
  Off on a run in that early morning glow

It's a lesson in patience, humility and strength
One I have learned...you could say at great length







Thanks to the wonderful hosts of Tuesday on the Run:

Patty @ My no-guilt life!
Marcia @ Marcia's Healthy Slice
 Ericka @ MCM Mama Runs,





Sunday, December 13, 2015

Back To The Doc (WW # 19)

Welcome!  This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  The purpose is to connect with and support other active women.  We want to hear about your adventures. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!   {See complete rules}  This is the last opportunity for an entry to win our Lucky Linker $75 Gift Card!  Remember, the link stays open through Wednesday evening.

Don't forget to use this badge in your post.



Monday I decided to return to the doctor.  After 10 weeks of dealing with my metatarsal stress fracture, I was still experiencing some pain.  I wanted reassurance it was healing properly.  Delightfully, I found out it was completely healed and my pain was more than likely being caused by a neuroma.  The doctor assured me it was OK to run.  Hmm...makes me wish I had gone back a little sooner.  She also warned me not to go run 30 miles the first time out.  {Who does she think I am?  Ha Ha!}  

I'm dreaming of this race distance...just like the ones I used to know...


It is comforting to know my fracture has healed. However with the neuroma, I am not completely pain free.  Of course there is a wealth of internet information on the subject which gives me great hope and terrifies me all at the same time.  The foot pad I tried seemed to make the pain worse. However, I discovered on my own that pedicure toe spacers work miracles. {Eu-frickin'-reka!} 

The Disney Marathon is still looming in front of me.  I'll admit the not knowing is stressful and I'm tired of worrying about it!  But as I finish up this post, my foot feels strong and fantastic.  There is hope.  Maybe, just maybe.  My fingers are crossed, but not my toes!



The Numbers:

Tuesday - Ran 2 miles @ 9:46 pace

Wednesday - Ran 3 miles @ 9:33 pace

Thursday -  Biked 15 miles (Avg HR 151)

Saturday - Ran 6 miles @ 10:00 pace 

Sunday - I returned to the bike for my "long slow run".  I cycled 57 miles with an average HR of 150.  This is another personal distance record.  It was very warm and holy cow WINDY.  The gusts required me to keep making corrections to the bike.  It took me right at 4 hours.


Total miles RUN (whoo hoo!) = 11
Total miles BIKED (wee hee) = 72

And that's a wrap!



Would you run a marathon 15 weeks after a foot fracture?

Tell it to me straight...


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Celebrate Small Victories

I'm going to be absolutely selfish today and talk about me.  Me, me, me and what I have to celebrate.  Please just bear with me for a moment.

I went to the doctor Monday after ten weeks of healing my metatarsal stress fracture.  10 weeks!  I was still experiencing pain which made no sense.  I found out my fracture is completely, and she repeated this many times over, healed. (I also inferred it had been healed for some time.)  There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of my foot bones or joints.  Celebrate! 

Apparently the lingering pain is caused from a probable neuroma, which is common after foot trauma.  The doctor indicated it would not hurt anything to run with this neuroma.  Celebrate!  She cautioned me not to go run 30 miles the next day.  {Now why would she say something like that?}

Tuesday, I decided I had to see if I could run with the neuroma pain.  I promised myself, PROMISED, I would not go over 2 miles.  And that's what I did, with no stops.  It felt uncomfortable at times, but my foot also felt strong -- if that makes any sense.  I was also quite pleased and surprised with my pace.  Celebrate! 

Wednesday, was a planned bike ride but when I woke up late and at 38 degrees I decided I'd try another short run.  I promised myself, PROMISED, I would not run over 3 miles.  And that's what I did, with no stops.  It was my favorite type of run...a progression: 10:00/9:30/9:00 (ish) Celebrate! 

Today I celebrate my small victories.  I know have a long road (pun intended) ahead of me.  But I plan to celebrate every teeny tiny victory along the way.  Oh, here's one more.  I have on real shoes today -- no running shoes, no sports flip flops with socks (oh yes, I did that!).  Celebrate! 
 
 
What will you celebrate today?


I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.

Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers.  It's fun!













Sunday, December 6, 2015

Cycle Scenes (WW # 18)


This weekly linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  The purpose is to connect with and support other active women.  We want to hear about your adventures. 

You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!   {See rules}

If you are visiting, Welcome!  Tricia and I would be honored if you would link with us here on the Weekly Wrap. 





I know everyone is tired of reading about my nutty alternate training program.  Trust me, I'm tired of doing it!  So, I thought I'd post something different today.  These are scenes from this week on my bike.

















WEEKLY NUMBERS:

Tuesday:   biked 14.5 miles
Thursday:  biked 16.5 miles
Saturday:  biked 50.0 miles -- new distance record   (Average HR 153  Time 3:24:55  Speed 14.64)

Total Bike = 81 miles

Sunday:  pool running 2 hours 45 minutes -- new time record  (Average HR 138)




Let me add a huge ROLL TIDE for the winner of the SEC Championship game.



******************************************************************************

A Reminder... 

 As a special thanks to the supporters of the Weekly Wrap and our hope for continued success, we are giving one lucky linker a $75 gift card.  Each week you join here through the December 13-16 link, earns an entry for this prize. You still have an opportunity to earn 2 more entries!   The link opens on Sundays at 6 (CT) and stays open for three daysThere is time!

******************************************************************************

And that's a wrap!


Are you training through the holidays or taking a break?

Do you go crazy with decorations?



Saturday, December 5, 2015

Coffee Talk (December)




Happy December!


It's a lazy chilly Saturday morning at my house.  I'm snuggled up in front of the Christmas tree with my dogs.  I've got my Christmas mug filled with Dark Magic coffee with a healthy dose of peppermint mocha creamer and the Keurig is on standby  for another.  Let's chat for a while.



Over Coffee...

I'd tell you how I'm sadly missing the Panama City Beach half marathon today.  Our oldest son has run this with me for the past several years.  We had made this our yearly tradition, well at least in my mind.  Our local Jingle Bell 5k is today too.  Obviously, I'm missing that race as well.  I hope this will be the last of the missing!




Over Coffee...

Although I truly wish everyone the best of luck with their races, I'd admit it's makes me a little melancholy to read about them.  I have a serious case of race envy.  I'm pretty sure once I'm completely healed, I will run every race I can locate.  I've got to make up for lost time!



Over Coffee...

I'd ask how many of you have your shopping finished.  Are you like me and have barely started?   It's is a goal of mine to not go into a mall or large retail store this month.  Walmart?  You couldn't pay me enough!  I do have a few specialty shops I must visit. Those, I really don't mind.  I'm trying my darnedest to order everything online.  Go Amazon Prime!  I simply don't enjoy the torture everyone else calls shopping.  Those gift card racks at the grocery store look awfully appealing.  




Over Coffee...

I'd tell you I'm still unsure about running the WDW Marathon.  Even though I've spent all this time attempting to stay in marathon shape, it's crazy to think my foot will hold up for that distance (much less all those other body parts that have only been subjected to the lesser pool running).   I decided not to defer my registration though.  I couldn't bring myself to throw away another $55.  I'm beyond ready for all of this to be over.  The not knowing part is as stressful as the injury.  OK, enough whining.



Over Coffee...

I'd ask how you cyclists keep your feet from going numb.  It happens to me whether its warm or cold (although worse when cold) and starts about an hour into a ride.   It's not my shoes...they are so loose I could kick them off.  I assume it's the same problem I have when I water ski -- because my feet are frozen in the same position for so long.  Any tricks?   Or, am I the only weird person with this problem?




What would you tell me over coffee?


A huge Thank You to our Ultimate Coffee Date hosts!

Please visit and join in too!







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