macontracks.org

got up this morning waiting to give the sun a little time to warm things up. I mean, if I didnt pay for a race and HAD to get up for some cooler temps to run in, why do it!

I had no time goal (never really do) and no mile goals (just try to get 4+ in), so I set out with my iPod, my pack and my Garmin. I ran through my area (havent in a while) and heading down to tackle Becky St (shes mean!). That first long hilly incline is always the one to slow you down but the top, gives you a small slope down then two fun , small rollercoaster type hills. (I like those- go figure). Finally warming up (usually takes those first 2-3 miles to get my engine reving!) , I decided I would cross over Moody and head down to check out the new sidewalks. They just added sidewalks from Russell up to meet Moody sidewalk further up. (I was so happy!) It makes for a nice, hilly and decent run, at least I was hoping so.

I called my dad to see how is day was at his car show (he took his 53 Chevy). I chatted with him for a mile or so then headed back to my run. The new sidewalks were great and I found out its 4.6 miles for my house, to Becky, and down Moody to the intersection of Moody/Russell. I turned around there and made a pit stop at Arbys to potty.

I began my journey back home, knowing I would have at least 9.? miles (depending if I went the same way back home or +1 mile another way). I felt really good for most all the run and most all my body. My poor feet seem to get ..not crampy but achy? I crossed back over Moody heading back down Becky (Thats always fun!). I was enjoying the sounds of my music as well as listening to the wind lightly russling in the trees, the birds singing their wonderful songs and I was relaxed (even though I was working hard). As I crossed the lake there, I smiled seeing the Canadian geese pair gliding across the lake waters, seeing turtles sun bathing on floating logs, various chipmunks playing in the leaves and birds flittering about searching for mates or a mere bug or two. It always puts your life into perspective on days like this.

So many days we rush around to pay bills, cart children to various places, involve ourselves in community and sport projects, yard work and more ..and we forget to pause to enjoy the wonders we have in our world. Days like today let you reflect on what is truly important in our lives and we can smile, knowing we are alive in a wondrous place, that we often take for granted.

I do hope you find tranquility in a day for yourself soon, so you too can reflect and relax.

First of all, I recommend this race to anyone.. not only for the HUUUUUGE finisher marathon medal and half, but for the wonderful way it ran, the support, sponsers and all around race. Great race and I WILL be there next year!

The race itself was wonderful. The start was packed and it took two miles before you could move around a little better. They had 2670 finishers so we were a little packed at first. (They had total of 6000 runners for all three events)
We started out and did 3/1 and then settled quickly into 1/1 pattern. The first 6 miles we were running at my regular pace (13.5 min mile area). They had water/gatorade every 2 miles and markers for each mile. There were plenty of portapotties too. Lots of people along the way cheering people on.
We were keeping a good pace until around mile 6/7 when my dads IT started bothering him a little. We walked and did 2/1s to give him a break. The race was going by so fast for us (keeping busy with intervals, talking and site seeing) and we had a 10 K split time of around 1hr 35 mins. We were well on our way to about 3 hr 15 mins finish. Dads knee had other plans. Around mile 9, we had to finish with walking. We kept a good pace but I didn’t want to have him hurt too badly so we did the fast walking.
By Mile 12, we were getting closer and the excitement was rebuilding. Mile 13 (lipstick station), we could hear the crowds and the announcer and see the finish area. Dad was wanting to run but I said, “walk a little further” then I said, “okay lets go!” and I ran into the finish line, turned around looking for him several times, and then snapped his photos coming into the finish line.

It was an awesome race and wonderful experience to share with the most important man in my life- my dad. Thanks for sharing this day with me and making it even more special. You did great dad!
(15March09)

Al Toll 15K Saturday 21 Feb.
Today’s weather started out around 26 at 7am. By race time (9am) it was nearly 40 degrees woot! Good weather for a run. I got to call my dad and Richard before the race so I have my mental pep talk by them both (Thanks dudes!)
We all grouped together for the start. 5K folks on the right, 15K folks on the left. They had the short route and went right while we went for a longer run to the left. Steve says ” Mark, set, Go!” and we all took off.

Let me tell you this course has very few flat spots. Its mostly inclines and hills-wee. You know its my favorite type of run. ::eye roll:: The weather was great and by mile 1.5, I took off my wicking thin Nike jacket. I was pacing pretty well, anywhere from 3/1s to 2/1s and some 1/1s. (run/walk mins).
Hill after hill came and I worked over each one the best I could. I had passed Don McClellan (He is who leaned on me last year for the last 3 miles). I didn’t see Bub (another that is usually around my pace) and I knew BrendaGail was somewhere out there.

At mile 5, I started seeing a turkey buzzard. I told him “go away, you arent getting me!” and trudged onward.
My legs were getting a little tired and my feet (but I think the support in my newer shoes may have helped there). Little spots here and there would ache and go away, a new spot would ache then go away.
At mile 6.5, I saw another turkey buzzard. I lfted up my closed fist at it defiantly, telling it, “Nooooo!” and off I went.
By mile 7, I was saying “Enough already, who moved the finish line?!” I knew the long slight downhill to the finish was around there somewhere. But…where?!

Finally, I saw the mile 9 marker and said “Woohoo!” and turned the corner. I saw the time and new I was off my PR pace by 50ish seconds but I did beat my last years Al Toll time by 6 mins 40 or so seconds so that is a great race for sure. My avg pace last year at Al Toll- 14:34 min miles with time of 2:15.10. This years Al Toll pace was 13:55 with time of 2:08.52.

After crossing the finish and filling out my card, I waited at the line. I cheered Bub in, then BrendaGail and finally ran the last bit of the way with Don. Go everyone!
It was a lovely day for the run and despite my aches and groaning after and during, a good race.

I found Bub and his son (I think?) at McDonalds and sat down with them while we ate a little lunch. We also saw Deborah and her two kids (which they ran their 5Ks and got trophies).
I made it back home and ran a tub of cold water. Lordy that surely takes your breath away, getting in that tub! but it helps. I sat in that cold water for 5-10 mins then cleaned up with a real bath. Now.. I think its nap time!
Good job to everyone that ran, cheered, volunteered at the race- another wonderful one. I look forward to seeing Don and Tim and Sams photos!

_________________
“Don’t live life standing still” (Me)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/72577547@N00/

My father, after seeing my first half last year at Snicker and watching me run a 20K in AR, decided he wanted to run a race with me. This was about 3-4 months ago. I told him if he was serious, I would find a race in Arkansas and travel there and come run it with him. All I found were 5ks, halfs or full marathons. I told him I wasnt coming 9 hrs to run 5K so we set our goal for a half.
The Little Rock Marathon boasts the largest finisher marathon medals ever (I will have to do the full next year for sure!) and the halfs are the same, but HALF the size. I cant wait to have that in my collection.
I started him on a Jeff Galloway type program fitted for him, nearly two months ago. We slowly increase his long run each weekend by a mile. Last weekend, he made 5 miles- go Dad!
I told him to listen to his body and just work on getting as close to the training program as he can (we all arent perfect and life happens). I didnt care about his times as long as he got in the miles.
He is doing really well and is as determined as I get when I set my mine to something. We will be running the race 15th of March. I will make sure I remember my PW and try to post more often. (Thanks Kerry! It didnt like my little d)
To each of you out there that say to yourselves, “I cant run” or “I couldnt do that” well, try! You will be amazed at yourself and your strengths. You will NEVER know if you can do something unless you give it a hearty go. So instead of saying “I cant” how about saying, “Ya know, I think I will try that!”.

Good luck! “Dont live life standing still” by Donna S (Me!)

Today looked like it would be a rainy mess but thank goodness, the rain held off for both races. The 5K was rain free for sure.
I got to see a good many of Macon Tracksters and some old faces Id not seen in a while. I was decked out in Pink and black, with Valentine nail art too!
We headed off on time and I ran the first 6 mins before starting my 1/1 and sometimes 2/1 intervals. I never looked at my Garmin for a time, just listened to it chime and my music. At the turn around, I was in front of a couple people that usually beat me so that only encouraged me to keep up my pace. I felt really good and when I turned for the street at the Mall, I took a glance behind me to see where those people were. I could take 20 seconds of walking then I turned up the heat. I hadnt looked at my time yet when I turned left and entered the Mall parking lot and finally got to see the time clock. At that point, I knew I could PR! That spurred up my excitement and my legs! I ran like the wind (well kinda hehe) and made it under the time clock at 35:32- A personal best! My old PR was 37.01. I was so excited! It was a good run and a good morning when I got back home. I got to spend a few moments with my man before he went to sleep for his last night shift this week. I got a wonderful card and some goodies. Thanks Honey!

Hope everyone has a great day!

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