macontracks.org

Bad me bad! I forgot my PW and had to get a new one. Forgive me.  Lets see… since May 10th…

Ive done several 5 and 10K races and our very first Make it by Midnight half and marathon. Talk about brutal! Those hills in Andrews area are killer (see post on our regualar boards- macontracks.org ) I had my friend Doug visiting from Tx (That was fun) and he was my pit crew. It was ran starting at nearly 8pm and ran until midnight. It was hot, humid and hilly, but we all had a blast.

I just did our labor day 10K race this Monday. That was a good race. Two hills and humid but I was still happy with my time- just 5 mins off PR time so I was happy considering.  I did some swimming laps in the base gym pool today and will try my first Mountain bike trail ride this Saturday. Some of the Macon Tracksters meet at Daucet Trails and ride the trails. I will do this and try to get some photos as well.

Ive been busy with my photography club, my photos and running. I have a 20K coming up on 27 Sept in Arkansas. My mom will be there and it will be her first time to any of my races. Should be fun. I will hang out with friends after the run at night.

The temps are cooling off and the last two days have been so nice sitting outside reading. Im looking forward to running in the cooler, less humid temps for sure.

Wow, we had a good turn out today and I think got a lot of folks looking at our club, buying shirts etc.

The course was pretty (I want to go back and take some photos!) but that one hill was mean! I did my first mile in record time 10:33, then 12:24 and 13:41. Time by my garmin 37:55. Im happy with the results due to the hills, it was a good run but whew!

Thanks to Richard for taking some photos while we were running- love ya baby!

Im loading the photos and will go through them and post them today. It was nice seeing Monika and the others- I havent seen you all in a while. Missed ya!

Thanks for a great run everyone.
Donna

I had such fun heading down to Florida Friday and enjoyed a relaxful evening. Saturday morning, my sister came and we went to get our packets for the race (her first!!!) and see all the cool things in the Expo. I bought some cool -after race- shoes and relaxing shoes woot! I will show them off this weekend. I also got a cute shirt too.
The lines for the packet pick up was long due to over events of softball and such going on. Inside, people were signing their waivers, finding their bib number and going to the matching window to retrieve their packet. Then we went to get our shirt (Which was cute!) and goodie bag. We looked around the expo items there, bought some stuff and then headed out to use our Animal Kingdom tickets.

I wasnt too impressed with Animal kingdom but I had fun spending adult time with my sister. We dont get to do that often and it was special to be able to do it this past weekend. I took some photos, we walked around, ate some good lunch and then headed back to the hotel. She took a short nap and we relaxed on the bed until time to decide what to eat for dinner.

With it being warm, I generally dont like to eat much. I knew we needed some packed fuel for the long day Sunday so I was in the hunt for some good carbs. We thought of pasta but the place was a little longer than we wanted to walk. We went to Wendy’s to have a baked tater and a salad. Good choice! Not only was it perfect size, leaving room for a Frosty after!, we also got to meet a family from Holland!

We casually walked back to the hotel and enjoyed our Frosty on the bed while watching tv. We got cleaned up, ready for bed and I mixed all our drinks and after run drinks. Lights out was at 10 pm and we tried to get some sleep. I tossed and turned, as usual before a longer race, and she slept fairly well but not too much better. I woke up at 3:56 am and got up. Made sure she was up at 4:05 and began to get ready for our race. We made sure we had our jelly beans, gu, water mix, Endurox for after, phones, ID/Money, bib number etc.

Once everything was -checked-, we left a little eary to make sure we got to Epcot on time. We start at Animal Kingdom and finish at Epcot so they bussed those of us that parked at Epcot, to AK. First of all, I so WISH people putting on a race would include DETAILED directions from various places AND post signs saying “15K Minnie Marathon turn this way” as you drive. Most signs say “Epcot” but not all did, therefore the signs would have saved me some anxious nerves and taking a couple wrong turns.

We finally made to the long line of people parking at Epcot. We got out, noted where we were parked, and made our way to the line for the bus. Busses loaded, we headed back the way we came, to Animal Kingdom. There were porta potties in two sections but as always, could have been more- Specially with all those ladies!!!

There were some dudes running with their lady friends/loved ones and one wheel chair lady that I know of. Her husband (both in mid to late 20s Id guess) ran in the race WITH their young 2-3 year old daughter, in this car seat like backpack on his back! I said he deserved a medal just for doing that! I got a couple of photos of him, sure hope they turn out.

They had sections of times so you put yourself in the section you knew of your pace to be- this way the faster runners are in front of the turtles! Amy and I get ready and waited for the start. We held hands to make sure we didnt get lost in the 3100+ people in the race! It took us 3 mins or so just to get across to the START line! They pack was bunched pretty well the whole way, thinning out here and there.

We started off and I kept us at a good steady pace. We were cruising right along doing well. We followed the packs, zigged and zagged, walked, talked, ran, and laughed. I kept checking on how she was doing. She had gotten as far as 4.5 miles before the race in her training so I wanted to make sure we didnt hurt her. She was also dealing with IT troubles. So easy going pace and me asking “How ya doing?” many times were done as we ran.

I felt so good! I couldnt believe I could run a race and not feel tired. Maybe it was the excitement of running with my sister on her first race ever. Either way, I liked it. We kept a good pace, me watching my Garmin and running to my podrunner tunes (thanks Steve Boyett!).

Each passing mile, we were nearing her most miles. We made it to 5! She was feeling fine, a little pain on her knee but not too bad. I told her she was doing well, we were on a good pace so dont be afraid to say, “I need to walk some” if she did.

We were at mile 6! Then 7 miles! I took a photo of her at the 7 mile marker I think. Her knees were bothering her (they took turns!) and we walked a little more now but I told her we had a good pace in the beginning and we were rocking and she was doing fine. Mile 8 came, we walked a little more but still walked fast, then we saw it… mile 9! I said “Amy we are nearly done! Look- mile 9 marker!” she was happy to see it. Her poor knees were bothering her heaps, the right one mostly, and we slowly ran to the finish line, got her an ice pack and walked SLOWLY to get our medal!

Im so proud of her for not only making the plans a few months ago, to run this with me, but to stick out some sort of training in her busy schedule (3 kids 6-18!) but she was running super (Save for her knees). We took a break, ate a banana, drank some stuff then made it back to the truck. We drank our Endurox and went back to the hotel. We got cleaned up and rested a little then packed up and ate lunch. She headed back home and I had my 5 and a half hour drive back home. I was beat when I got home.
Richard had me flowers in two rooms of the house, a large bag of peanut M&Ms and a lovely card! You rock baby!

I ate some chicken rice (2 single serving cups!) and then crashed by 8pm. I slept until 7am this morning. I was so tired but I was so happy to be able to make a memorable moment for myself and my sister that much more special, by doing it together. Thanks Amy for being there with me and hanging in there. You are a great sister, good friend and Id gladly have you for a running partner any day!

Today was the first time I got to run in TEN DAYS! Ive been taking a break and doing some cross training things (bike mostly at the gym) while resting up my shin splints. Oh the humanity! I was so happy (even with a gusting wind today!) to get back out there on the road. I did two miles today. The first .2 I could feel them a little but not bad at all. Then they settled down and I never knew I had them. I felt a little tired but I did run a good 24:22 for the two miles so not bad at all. Im resting them as I type, icing them and giving them some love.

Its such a lovely day today too. Sunshine, a little windy but the sun is out so that is awesome. We had some rain and the plants and gardens were loving that. Today, I go to Mort and Andrea’s house to take some more cat photos. Make sure you get out and enjoy the day even if its for a short walk, sitting on your porch/deck to soak up the sunshine, ride a bike, sit at the park- whatever you do, be safe and have fun.

Donna

Let me just say- yuck! I was resting after the HM and got dressed on Wednesday 5 March, do my a short easy run. It would be my first one after the HM. I know usually my first three miles, I feel sluggish and slow (even though the times say Im on track) and after that, I settle in and do fine. Well that day was no different. My body felt tired and my legs. I did two miles in 24.55 and today, I feel like I just reran the HM (leg wise). Yeah I think they are needing that RnR and some cross training for a bit. So today, I will relax them as much as possible, go on a photo shoot with my friend Gary, have some lunch and enjoy the day.

I have a 5K to do here in town with a friends daughter and her mom doing the 1mile walk. After that, they will be pampered and maybe start some PT with cross training loving. I think some rest is a good thing. My only major race is 4 May and its a 15K in Florida with my sister. The others are a few 5Ks : April, May and June so it should be good. I hate that I have to pause in my road work at all, but if I dont, my body may do it for me and in a worse way so I will take it.

 Be safe!

Dont live life standing still!
Donna

It all started with picking up my dad from the Macon Airport Thursday evening. I made us all some yummy spaghetti with garlic bread. It was most tasty. We visited some then went to bed. Richard had to work Friday so dad and I got up and didn’t rush our breakfast. We went to RunFit store in Macon to have him sized properly for some walking shoes. He ended up buying a pair of running shoes (can walk in them too) just like mine (Brooks Adrenaline GS7s) just black. We stopped at Subway and had a good sandwich and then casually made our way towards Albany. I had to pick up my packet for the race (I didn’t want to get in early Sat morning- that meant us all getting up even earlier so no thank you!). We found out and decided the directions I had needed tweaked because they took us in a part of town I didn’t want to go.

We made it and got my packet, my first chip and some other goodies they had in our bags. Dad and I walked around a little bit then headed back home. I had called in pizza when we reached Perry Ga and we met Richard at the house. We didn’t have to wait long before the pizza arrived and we enjoyed some pizza and tv before we all crashed at 9 am.

Saturday morning came early! We got up at 4 am. Most of my things were gathered the night before so I got dressed, put things in the car and we left the house at 4:30 am. I didn’t sleep well at all so I knew coming home, Id need a nap!

The weather was perfect! It was 45 degrees when we got there. I used some body glide on my foot in the hopes of not seeing any blisters. The racers with wheelchair bikes left at 6:45 on their parts of the race and the HM (Half marathoners) and Marathoners left out at 7am. I waved at dad and Richard and took off on my first ever HM.

By mile one, I had already taken off my gloves and packed them in my pack. (Mile 1-11:44)

I wanted to take the first miles a little slower than normal because Ive never gone the miles I was about to do. My longest run before Saturday was 9.47 miles. I had taken the whole week off and just rode a bike for 3 miles worth of time, at the gym on Wed.

By mile 1.5, Im coming to the first major intersection. The police man was directing traffic so I got to go on by. I heard honking. Beep bee…beep beep! I look around and see our car! Richard and dad were waiting at the light, on the left. I waved and that made me smile. At this time, I also had taken off my longer sleeve shirt and proudly wore my MACON TRACKS running club shirt. Goo Macon Tracks!

My second mile time- 12:54

Third mile- 12:58

Fourth mile- 12:39.

I was feeling great. Taking a good stride with my Podrunner beat ports 152 BPM songs. There were so many people helping out, cheering along the side of the room, out at their houses, signs made- it was great!

Fifth mile- 12:42

Sixth mile- 13:28

By the time the seventh mile (13:15) came around- I was over half way done. I still felt really well in my breathing and upper body. My legs were a little tired but I was still doing well. I had been eating my jellybeans and drinking my water mix. Also, I was trying to keep my emotions in check- this was a major first for me AND my dad and husband were at the finish line waiting for me.

Eighth mile-13:42

Ninth mile-13:58

By the tenth mile (13:53), I was getting tired but still hanging in there. At 10.5, I could feel that my body glide on my foot has worn away and the small irritation from my old blister area. No blister but it was telling me it wasn’t too happy I was going so long. Another emotion check- calm down! we still have more miles to do!

Eleventh mile- 15:21- I was tired! My poor legs were letting me know they weren’t happy I sent them farther than ever before. I told them we are almost done and hang in there.

Twelfth mile- 15:31. Twelve miles. Sheesh! My upper body and breathing were great! but my legs- nope. They were tired and letting me know. I knew I was nearly done and soon see the finish so I kept a decent pace, walking a little more than earlier in the run, but I wanted to be ABLE to jog to the finish line.

Thirteenth mile- 15:31. I was a tenth of a mile (Or so depending on their measuring) away from the finish. I had 13 miles, 13 MILES, behind me now and I walked through this doorway and down a path, walking a little and making sure no marathoner was behind me. (Don’t want to slow them down). I could barely see the Finish line sign through some trees and that spurred me on! I started a good paced jog down the path, turned right and heard everyone cheering for me. I was looking all over for Richard and then I spotted  my dad. I lengthened my stride a little to come in strong and crossed that line! Woohoo! My total time by their time was 3hr 2 mins and 30 secs I think. My Garmin read 13.36 (not 13.1 hm length) and 3 hr 1 min 53 secs. The people there in Albany did a great job. The volunteers rocked! Thanks everyone there that helped make it awesome! The thing they can do for next year- have coffee, hot chocolate and breakfast eats for people that are watching/waiting. They would have made a killing on that stuff.

They had helpers there to escort you to get your time chip removed and help if you were wobbly. They also gave you a silver warming blanket thing (I didn’t need one) and a bottle of water (that I took). Dad came down and walked with me (needed to potty!) and then I saw Richard. I walked slow around and got a half of a bagel. We wanted to also wait for the others to come in.

Kerry (doing a marathon), Dave, Neel, Tim, Rudy, William, Amy, and several other MTRC folks came in. We finally headed to the car and drove down the road. We stopped at Golden Corral and man that was a good meal. The drive home was nice and relaxing. I got home, took a hot bath and an hour long nap. Mmm.

(go to MaconTracks.org or my flickr site to see the Snicker Marathon photos. Amanda Cook and some others should have more at MaconTracks.org too)

I will post up my photos on Flickr and the Macon site here shortly today. Thanks Dad for coming down to be with me on this important day and thanks Richard for being there and helping me get here. Thanks to my Macon Tracks Running club family for making my insanity in my old age fun and healthy. ::big hugs::

Today was such a lovely day. Starting temps were 56 and foggy a bit. I was running my first 15K (9.3 miles) today and hoped my blister would stay gone, my legs would feel good and I didnt collapse anywhere on the hilly course. The start was good. We all headed out for our 15K part (only 40+ could run this distance while others ran the 5K) and made it through the first small incline and took a left. Great! Then the hills started! Did I mention there were HILLS!? I was feeling okay, other than more tired from the HILLS, and around the 3.5 mile mark I could feel my blister. No!!! The moleskin I put over my blister bandaid was moving (Oh the humanity!) and it was starting to hurt. I paused, removed my sock and tossed away the offending bandaid blend. With my sock and shoe back on, I pleaded with my foot to behave cause my legs were being so good! Yay shins yay! Well, the blister was back…and growing! My foot was on fire around mile 4. The hills seemed to get larger too- curses! ::Raises her fist in defiance:: I was hurting but making it, slowly taking one person down (Slow and steady like a turtle!). I caught up to this 72 year old man (Yes hes 72 but hes a seasoned runner so shush!) named Don. He seemed to be having a hard time. I stopped to ask if he was okay. When he said he thought so, I figured I would just remain with him. So around the last 3.5 miles or so, he and I were buddies. He leaned on me, we talked, kept each other company and I shared my Snickers Marathon bar (Had it pre cut up in little pieces).  He took photos (One of me) along the way and we paused here and there but with my HUUUUUUGE blister the size of Texas (Okay maybe it wasnt that big but sure felt like it!) and his is being tired but pushing, we both saw the end! We finally made it and not too far past the 2 hr mark. Other than my blister, the day was great and I made a new friend ::hugs Don:: Oh and Don, by my Garmin, I did it in 2 hrs 15 mins and we did 9.47 miles today!

 The gang went to Crackle Barrel after and had lots of wonderful conversation, tossed food and straw parts to our table (Yes Amanda it was you!) and good food. A wonderful day all around, dispite my mean blister.

 I will be taking it easy this week because I HAVE to be ready and able to make it to my first half marathon next weekend. I dont want any more blisters… EVER! They suck

Be safe!

Donna

Saturday, (16 Feb) WAS a good day to run. I was feeling great- leg was not aching nearly as much (Ive been doing testing to see what aggrivates it- more about that later) and my energy level (From the nasty bug) is slowly coming back.

I had my friend (non running nurse) and her daugther running the 5K so I was hanging out with them at the starting line. We all got ready and when we heard Go, we went.

Well.. you know me, always gotta out do you all. Here I was trudging along (first mile at 11:11 woot!) and I didnt see a sign on the side of the road showing any 12k/5K split so off I was hanging with my friends daugther and group. I get to the 5K turn around and asked if that is where I go straight for the 12K. Oh no. I missed my turn! So, I ran nearly the whole 5K then got BACK to where I was suppose to turn (only mark was on the people packed road no side of the road sign grr). So now Im the last person and 1 mile back from the rest (thanks to my extra mile jaunt on the 5K side- no placing for me!). So I finally see Brenda Gayle and slowly plot my course to catch and take her! I caught up and walked with her some, chatting and resting up a little. She is a nice lady Then I took off jogging again and slowly but surely made it to 6 miles (On my watch anyway!). I could feel a blister starting under the upper ball of my foot near my tootsies- oh joy. Like the crud I have had and dealing with a booboo leg wasnt enough- thanks! (but its part of my experiment so partly my own doing but leg was better). So I kept going. Walking. Jogging. Walking. Jogging and FINALLY I see the turn towards the mall. Thank goodness!

I see the few people that remained outside to cheer folks on (Thanks Kerry, Christy, Katie and my honey Richard!). I finally made it in. I did 7.82 miles today in a record time of 1 hr 41 mins and 19 sec. My times today were so good ( 11:11, 12:18, 12:56, 12:45, 13:30, 13:51, 13:30 and last .82 at 11:25 pace) I was so happy to see the numbers. I knew I felt better so woohoo! Sure I didnt get a placement but I managed to cruise to the finish feeling good, doing more and even picked up the pace.

It was nice seeing all my Macon Tracks buddies there and I hope everyone had an awesome day. I know some placed- so yay! We got out and not sat on the couch all day- we rock! Richard got some photos (thanks again babe) so I will go through them, edit them and put them on my flickr page and our page asap. Enjoy the rest of your day and see you all soon! Snicker- here we come! ::Flexes her turtle muscles::

 Sunday 17 Feb- I took today off. My muscles were a little sore and I had the blister on my foot. Soon as this blister is healed, I will get back out on the road. This coming weekend, I have Al Toll 15K (9.3 miles) my longest run so far. Then the following weekend after that, the big day- Snickers Half Marathon. Wow. Its getting here fast!

This week, Ive been dealing with an achy right shin since my two races back to back last week. Richard got a bug early this week and although he is feeling better, I now have the bug..and it is kicking my butt. I was sore and tired so I went to the gym to atleast get some form of work out this week.  On Wednesday, I did a mile on a bike then 2 miles on a treadmill and felt okay. Friday, I tried to do my easy two. I made it and below the pace set forth but man I felt like I was laboring to breath and had no energy. My shin was killing me. Maybe due to wrapping it, causing it to hurt even more. I may try to do 3-4 of my needed 8 on Sunday, to see how my lungs feel and my leg. If all goes well, I will do more than that.  I have four weeks to get ready for my first half marathon, all I want to do is finish it in the time alloted..and walk away to tell about it! Heres to making it through til 2 March (The day after the HM).

When driving to Macon Loop this past Sunday, our car temp sure didnt tell us there was a 11 mph wind and it was 29 (or felt like it). It was too cold for my legs for sure. I think the combo of the cold and running a 5K race the day before, sure didnt help my shins. My right calf muscle and shin muscle were screaming and felt so tight. I wanted to stop at the 1.2 mark and call Richard and say “Come get me!” but I hung in there. (when is it okay to call chicken and when is it okay to ‘work through the pain?’) I made it a little slower than my usual time but I did 4.45 and glad of it.

Monday morning came and my calf muscle was sore as were my shins so I iced my shins and too the day off. Today is another day of rest (well normal one) and tomorrow is my 6 mile tempo run (4 miles temp, 1 warm up, 1 cool down). We will see how it goes. I may end up doing some biking or something if they dont behave. I have three races before my big one and I dont wanna hurt myself. I have to be able to run and finish the HM in the alloted time in Albany. I will make it! grr legs hang in there little puppies!