Soon!

Very tired today :( I think it's the head cold that I have had for the last couple of days. It's not a very bad cold but it's enough to wear me out. My body has been feeling pretty good since I visited the neuromusclular massage therapist. I have been feeling good while I have been swimming and biking even though I have had this cold. I can't wait until Friday to start running. Hopefully, all will go well! Today, when I was at Wal-Mart, it was the first time in about 5 months that I could shop without pain shooting down my leg! It was great!! Right now, I'm waiting for Kyle and Keith to come home from indoor track practice, so we can eat a late supper.
Today's workout consisted of one and a half mile swim with 400yd pull and a 45 minute spinning class. Yesterday, I lifted and swam a mile and a half. Soon , I will be able to talk about running and the training for Massenutten 100. One more day :)

Getting Fixed!!

Today, Kyle and I made a trip to Marion, OH to see Steve Adams who is a neuromuscular massage therapist. One look at me and he knew that I was in trouble. For starters, my left leg was a quarter of an inch longer than my right. My right hip was higher than my left hip and my right hip was curving inward. The right side of my rib cage was higher than my left and the right shoulder was rolled inward. Whan laying on my stomach, my whole left side was higher than my right. What a mess!!!! He twisted, bent, pushed, shoved, stretched, poked and manipulated my body in ways that I thought were impossible. I'm rather sore this evening, but believe it or not I have no pain :) Hopefully after a couple more treatments things will be better! Kyle had his legs and feet worked on inorder to keep things flowing smoothly!
Before I left this morning, I was up by 5 am and rode my windtrainer for almost an hour which gave me 14 miles and then lifted.
Yesterday, I rode the windtrainer for 10 miles and swam a mile and a half.
Saturday, I rode the windtrainer for 8 miles and swam a mile and a half which included 5 x 75yd sprints and 400yd pull. Oh, I can't forget the shopping trip to Columbus in the evening.
Right now, I think I'm getting a pretty bad cold and my throat is sore. Ugh!! Need to take some meds and get to bed!!

Christmas

Christmas pictures of the boys!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Got up early amd lifted weights and did p90x abs.

Working Out

Got a good workout in this morning even though there was no running involved. Did a light lifting workout out, swam a mile and a half, which included 10 x 50yd sprints and 400yd pull, and 45 min spinning class. Really tired afterwards :(

Tomorrow, the family will travel to Marion to Mark's side of the family and do Christmas with them. On Christmas, it will be my side of the family. Should be a good couple of days, all though I probably won't get much sleep. It's great to spend time with the family! We all need to remember the real reason of Christmas with the birth of Jesus!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!

Nothing Much

Slept in this morning after Keith went to school. This is his last day before Christmas break starts. Corey and I went to the Y for a swim. I swam a mile and I think he got in about a half of a mile. Did some ab work with Kyle this afternoon after his run. He ran 5 miles averaging about 6 minute miles. I'm so impressed with his running improvement :) After the ab workout, however, my back started to bother me. Maybe it's all the ab workouts that is causing the problems. Just trying to eliminate things that are causing me to have pain.

Corey is having a "friend" stay for a couple of days, Mark and Keith went to the OSU basketball game tonight and Kyle and I went out to eat. All in all a good day! It should be a great Christmas!!

Trying :]

This evening, we celebrated Christmas with my sister at our mom and dad's house here in Loudonville. A good time was had by all! Pam's husband, Phil, had trouble getting home from his job as a pilot and couldn't join us :( There was good food, opened presents and played bingo.

Got 3 slow miles in at 6:00 am. Probably shouldn't have done it but I just couldn't stand not running anymore. Kind of paying the price right now but I don't think I did any further damage. The problem now is more of the numbness in my leg do to the pinched nerve in my back. I think I am going start to lift lighter and not so heavy and see if that helps my back. The lifting might be the problem and not so much the running. I'll just have to experiment. Today, after my little run, I lifted, swam a mile and a half and did a 45 min. spinning class.

DNR

NOTHING :( Bored and depressed!! Will do P90X abs later tonight. The bright spot of the day was Kyle coming home! Everyone is home so Christmas can now begin!!

Run, Sort of :)

Yesterday went like this - Drug my big butt out of bed and down to the weight room, we have in our basement and did a tricep and bicep lifting workout, went to the Y and swam a mile and a half and then did a 45 min. spinning class. Corey also came to the Y to do some lap swimming which he hadn't done in about a year. He was on the High School swim team so he knows his stuff, he is just not in swimming shape!! He did look pretty good :) Friday night is pizza night at our house so I didn't have to cook! Wrapped Christmas gifts most of evening and then played a board game called Apples to Apples, with Keith and Shelby. I was a little worried about Corey and Kyle because Corey went down to OWU to spend the night with Kyle and it was hard telling what they did. I don't think I want to know!! Just beign a Mom!

Today, I decided not to swim but to walk on the treadmill instead. I was doing just fine and I had no pain anywhere!! At about a half of a mile, I couldn't stand it anymore and I started to run. It was a slow run but a run none the less!!!!!!!! Ended up walk/run for 3 miles. It was so good to RUN!!! During the run, everything was fine but my hamstring is a little irritated tonight. Back to the pool, I guess :( This evening, we attended Keith's choir concert which put me in a festive mood!!

Tomorrow, Kyle will be home for Christmas break! It will be great to have everyone home for the Holidays!! He will be bringing a buddy home until Monday. Raphael is from CO and his plane doesn't leave until Monday evening. He was Kyle's roommate last year and is on the OWU soccer team. He's a good friend to Kyle and a good kid! Well, it's getting late and we are going to try to go to church in the morning, so good night all!!

More Water!!

Yesterday, my hamstring seemed to be doing better and even feeling better today. Gives me the itch to go out and run. I'm going to try and hold to it and not run until the first of the year. I did make an appointment with a neuromuscular massage therapist from Marion named Steve Adams. I have been to him before and he really knows his stuff but it hurts like hell! I am also going to make an appointment with a woman and her husband from Columbus who are Holistic Health and Fitness Consultants. Hopefully, they can help! Mark meet them when he was crewing for me at the Germantown 50k this fall. We'll see what happens!

Yesterday, I lifted weights, swam a mile and a half and did 12 x 25yd sprints and then a 45 min. spinning class. In the evening, Corey, Keith and myself did P90X abs.
Today, I was really tired so I went back to bed after Keith left for school. Got up around 9:30 and went to the Y and swam one and three-fourth of a mile which included 2 x 500yd pick-ups. Every 25yds I would sprint and then swim easy for 25yds. Swimming is starting to get real boring so I need to think of different things to do. Really miss running but I do want to get better!!!!!

Growing Gills!!

No running again today:( I do believe that I'm turning into a fish! Once again, I swam a mile and a half with a session of weight lifting before I got into the pool. That's all, there ain't no more! There is still pain in the hamstring and the pinched nerve is irritated with numbness in the right leg. I'm just praying that 3 weeks of no running will do the trick. If not, I'm in big trouble for the winter and early spring races! Being the patient person I am, I'm starting to panick!! The best part of the day, was getting my Christmas shopping done, I think? Now it's time to wrap! Until tomorrow.......................

Trying To Survive

Yesterday, I did absolutely nothing. No running, lifting, swimming, NOTHING!!!! The house is getting a good cleaning however, do to the fact I have nothing to do and have alot of extra energy. Baked cookies and wrapped some Christmas prresents!

Today, lifted weights, swam a mile and a half with a 500yd pull and did a 45 min spinning class at the Y. Then this evening, I did P90X ab workout with Corey and Keith. It only takes 16 min. but it's real hard!! I can still feel a pull in the hamstring but swimming didn't seem to bother it. The spinning was ok but when we stood up there was some pain. I just have to be patient and quit panicking. I know the more rest I give it the quicker it will heal!! =D

Mohican 24 Miler

Today, a group got together at Mohican to run the entire mountain bike trail which is 24 miles. Dan Bellinger, Mark Carroll, Jay Smithberger, Thomas Patton, Mark Elderbrock, Kim Boner and Vanessa Pittenger-Ragozzine, all started out at 8 am. I, unfortunatly only run the last 9 miles due to my stupid hamstring. In the mean time, I was the rolling aide station for everyone, meeting them at Hickory Ridge and the Firetower. I couldn't get down to the Covered Bridge because they had already blocked off the road due to the snow. It sure was different being on the other side of running. I appreciate all the waiting and help that the crew people do when we are out running. As for my hamstring, when I first started out it was good but the longer I ran, the worse it felt. I made the 9 miles and I don't think I made it worse. I'm going to take some tome off of running and just cross train until the first of the year:(

The bright side of the day, was Corey coming home from college for the holidays. Kyle will be home next weekend and then the family will be all together!! Happy Holidays, Everyone!!!!

Nothing Much

I did absolutely nothing today. After Keith went to school, I layed back down and slept until about 9:30am. Then I layed in bed for another hour and watched Dr. Oz on TV. A very different but interesting show. Took a shower, tanned and toook Kieth to the Dr. to have a wart removed. Made supper and baked some cookies for tomorrows FA run at Mohican. That's all there is for today, nothing more. Oh, my big workout today was an ab workout! That was exciting!! Tomorrow, I will be crewing for the runners doing the 24 mile FA at Mohican. I do plan on running the last 8 miles with everyone or maybe more, who knows!!!

What the Heck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thought the hamstring was getting better but I was wrong:( Pretty bad running day!! I went out this morning, thinking that 5 miles would be no problem, but it was. It was snowing and the wind was blowing and I was hurting! Now, what do I do? More time off, I guess. I have three weeks until the first of the year at which time I want to start training for Massanutten 100. My plan is to do very little running in the next three weeks and in order to keep some of my fitness I will swim , lift and do the spinning class at the Y. The other bad thing is, that because I have been favoring the hamstring, I think I have irritated my back and the pinched nerve is also bothering me! If it's not one thing it's another!!! I know it's my fault and it's time to start listening to everyone and take some time off of running:( I'm also wondering if the lifting is hurting my back. I'll have to look into that. Well, enough whining and feeling sorry for myself, now it's time to get healthy!!!

Over Doing It, Who Me?

Well, once again I probably over did it with the workout. Now that I'm not running much, I think I have to do everything else and do it as hard as I can! Alittle OCD don't you think:) I got up at 5 am this morning and ran 4 1/2 miles in the rain. Not the best run because I'm still running pretty slow while this hamstring is healing, although it is getting better!! Got my weight lifting in and then headed to the Y. Swam a mile and a half fairly hard and then did a pretty tough 45 min. spinning class. Drug my sorry ass home and was too tired to make anything for supper, so we ended up ordering pizza, sorry guys! I need to try really hard to slow things down until the first of the year so I can get rid of all these aches and pains in order to concentrate on my training for MMT in May.

Getting Better Everyday!!

Today I ran a whole 4 miles without walking! YEA!! There is still some pain in the hamstring but I'm dealing with it! I ran really,really slow but it is so much better:) Tomorrow, I plan on running 5 miles and see how that goes. I just need to take it slow and easy. Looks like the Huff 50k is out of the question next weekend. It really doesn't upset me too much because I need to get healthy for the spring, because I just found out I got in the Massanutten Mountain Trail 100 miler in Fort Valley, Virginia( I think ) Anyway, I didn't swim today because I needed to get things done around the house plus I was just being lazy. I did lift, however:) Until tomorrow>>>>>>>>>

Better:)

Yesterday, I did a weight lifting workout and then ran/walked 2 miles. Thank goodness, I didn't make my hamstring worse by going the 5k on Saturday. At this point the muscle feels like it needs to be stretched but when I try to stretch it therre is pain.

Today, I went down to the track and did 3 miles and ran all of it but about a half of a mile. Once again, it is feeling much better. I did the weight workout inwhich you lift light but lift as fast as you can for 20 sec. and then off 10 sec. for 5-8 sets. At first, you think it's real easy, and then it hits you and it's hard as hell. I thought I was going to throw-up when I was done! The rest of the day my arms have been trashed. Thanks, to my son, Kyle, who showed me this workout( HAHAHA) Swam a mile and a half with my arms absolutely killing me and then did a 45 min. spinning class, arms still really tired!! Even as I am typing, I have to stop and rest! LOL Tomorrow, my plan is to run 3 miles without walking! Oh, I forgot, I put my name in the MMT 100 mile lottery draw. We:ll see what happens!

With Christmas just around the corner, the house is finally decorated and not to much more shopping. Corey will be home this Friday and Kyle the following week!! It will be a good month with everyone home. Can't wait:)

Still Hurting!!

Ran, jogged, hobbled, limped, crawled or whatever you want to call it, the Santa Sleigh 5k at the Mansfield Y this morning. Slowest 5k race I have ever run. Enough said!!!! Really F@#$ pissed off!! I seems like I get one thing straightened out and then another thing happens. Last year it was my achilles, then the pinched nerve and now the hamstring, what next? I know I shouldn't be complaining because there is so many people that have far greater problems than a stupid hamstring and I am very greatful for the things I have accomplished and have, but is it asking to much to be healthy enough to simply run down the road!! I'm just really upset right now and I know that I need to take time off of everything inorder to heal:( I decided to do the 5k because eveything was feeling better and I thought, heck it's only 3 miles, anyone can run 3 miles. I was a slow painful one but I finished. After the race, I was upset so I went to the pool and swam a mile and a half. My husband Mark, and youngest son, Keith also ran and did just fine!!!

Yesterday, I lifted weights, swam a mile and a half with 400yd pull and did a 45 min spinning class. Afterwards, I went for a massage which really seemed to help the hamstring. Thanks, Kay and sorry for messing all your hard work up:( Probably will see you next week:)

The good part of the day was Christmas shopping in Columbus this afternoon with Mark, Keith and his girlfriend, Shelby. Almost DONE!!

Just Had To Try

It was suppose to be day four of no running BUT I had to try and see if the leg was getting any better. The result was 2 miles of running and walking. It wasn't as bad as last Sunday but the pain was still there. Walking was fine, which was a good thing, because I couldn't even walk without a limp before. I did go to a PT today, but he really didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. He did confirm that it was a hamstring and not a pinched nerve thing. I just have to be patient, which we all know I'm not very good at. After my 2 miles of whatever, I swam a mile and a half with 10 x 25yds and 10 x 50yds of good effort. Not a total sprint but enough to makd me tired. I also did 2 x 100yds of good effort and finished with 450yds of pulls. No lifting today just abs.

To my sister Pam - Have fun in Spain!!! She leaves tomorrow for an 8 day trip. Be safe and enjoy!!

Staying Sane!

Today is day#3 of no running. I'm taking care of my OCD by doing cross-training (LOL) so it hasn't been to bad. Lifted weights for biceps, triceps and did abs. Swam a mile and three-fourth with 500yd pull , then did a 45 min. spinning class. While I was at the Y, I also did light lifting with my legs. The hamstring is getting better:) There is still some soreness and it is very tight. I have been icing and doing light stretching so I think that is helping. Maybe a short run tomorrow??? I am scheduled to see a PT tomorrow for an evaluation, hopefully he can help. Friday, I have another massage and on Saturday I am hoping to do the Run For Regis training run up in the CNVP. Keep your fingers crossed that everything goes as planned!!

Day #2

Second day of no running:( Got up at 5:30am to lift. Did the following: close grip bench, skull crushers, DB row on bench, dips, running motion with DB, incline traps, tri kick backs, shoulder shrugs, DB front and lateral and abs. I then wanted to get a swim in before my massage, but when I got to the pool, some kid pooped in the pool and it was closed! Did some errands and went to Kay Hunt in Mansfield for my massage. She really losened things up and made my hamstring feel better:) Thanks, Kay! Decided to forget the swim after the massage and just take the rest of the day off. My hope is still to be able to run by the weekend. We'll see!!!!!

No Running

Day #1 of no running. The right hamstring is pretty sore but not as irritated as it was yesterday. I'm going to have a massage on it tomorrow so I hope it will help. I'm hoping that a week off of running will do the trick but it might take longer:( To keep myself sane, I lifted weights - bench, incline bench, decline bench, shoulder press, flies on the exercise ball with both straight arms and bent arms, reverse flies on the exercise ball, external rotations,inverted row on the bar and abs. I then went to the Y and swam a mile and a half with 400yd pull. The swimming bothered my leg alittle but not enough to stop but then again I couldn't go very fast or hard. In the mean time, everyone pity my poor family, because I will probably be alittle crabby until I can run again!

Catch-Up

I haven't had much time to do much posting so I'm alittle behind. With all the boys home and down to one computer in the house it made it difficult to find the time.

Thrusday was Thanksgiving and we went to Marion to Mark's side of the family. I have so much to be thankful for such as family, friends, health and a great country to live in. And I'm thankful that I was able to get up in the morning to run 6.5 miles evn though my hamstring was causing me much grief!

Friday, I ran 5 miles in the morning but it was slow and painful due to the right hamstring. I did a band workout with Kyle doing the 20 sec. on and 10 sec. rest. It was very tough and I was sore and tired afterwards!

Saturday, I decided to take a couple days off to see if I could cure this stupid hamstring. I did absolutely nothing and about went insane. I did get our Christmas Tree up in the upstairs and put out other decorations.

With no plans of running, I saw on facebook that Don Baun and Mark Carroll were running at Mohican on Sunday so I just couldn't pass it up. Thinking that I would be fine if I took it slow proved to be wrong. We planned on running 10 miles starting at the camp A campground. Things started out just fine although there was pain in the leg, I figured I could run through it. Once again, I was wrong:( About two miles into the run, I slipped and that was all she wrote! Big time pain in the hamstring and I just couldn't go on. Don directed me on how to get back and Mark was kind enough to escort me back to our cars. Thanks, Mark for our chat and listening to me whine the whole way back. Sorry to Don, Charlie and Mark for slowing you up. Once I got home, the hamstring was way sore and painful. I had a hard time walking and sitting and was very uncomfortable. I have a massage scheduled for Tuesday and will try to keep swimming, spinning and lifting until this clears up. I will keep everyone informed on my progress.......... Oh, and to top things off Corey and Kyle went back to school for two weeks until Christmas break. Once again the house will be quite:(

Always Busy

Once my feet hit the ground this morning, I didn't stop until now. First, I ran 8.3 miles this morning, lifted weights and swam a mile and a fourth. By this time it's after 1 o'clock. Kyle went out to lunch with Don Baun and Bryan Derr while Corey and Keith went to Mansfield. I had to go pick up dinner rolls for Thanksgiving and we all met back at home around 3 pm. All three boys went down to the field house to lift weights while I started supper and of course, all this time I was doing the mound of laundry the boys had brought home! We ate supper, I cleaned the kitchen plus the floors and now it's time to relax!!! Hope everyone has a great Turkey Day and be thankful for all we have!!!

Everyone Is Home:)

It's been four months since we all have been home together. Corey got in this evening and we celebrated his birthday during supper. It sure is good to have all the boys home! However, it lasted only a couple of hours before they were all out doing different things. Oh, well, at least I know they will be there in the morning. I'm looking to have a great Thanksgiving!!

Ran 6.5 miles this morning, did another one of Kyle's killer weight lifting workouts and swam a mile and a fourth, which included 12 x 25yd sprints, 4 x 50yd sprints and 450yd pull.

A New Lifting Workout

Kyle and his beloved dog, Rollo.

Got up this morning around 7 am and got Keith out the door to school. Then, I went out for what I thought would be a 7 mile run but it turned into 8. My stupid hamstring was bothering me again, for what reason , I don't know but I'm getting tired of it!! When I got back, Kyle was waiting on me to show me this new lifting program the OWU middle distance runners have been doing. The purpose is to build up lactic acid as you would in a race. You lift light weight for 20 sec. and then off for 10 sec. anywhere from 4 to 6 sets. It doesn't matter how many reps you do as long as you lift as quickly as you can and keep everything controlled. By the end of the session, I was trashed and couldn't even lift my arms above my head. It included bench, flies, shoulder press with DB, incline bench with DB, reverse flies, DB rows, DB lat raises and abs. It went very quick and took only 30 min. but real intense. After that, I managed to get in a mile and a half swim but my arms were extremely tired. It will be interesting to see if I'm sore in the morning.

Can't wait for Corey to come home tomorrow so we will be all under the same roof for a couple of days:)

A good One

It's been a good weekend!!! Keith got over the flu and Kyle is home for Thanksgiving break, now I am just waiting for Corey to come home on Tuesday and the family will be together for a couple of days:) Kyle did, however, come home with a cold which doesn't seem to bad but I'm really afraid that I will come down with this flu thing or a cold. Other than keeping my hands washed, there is not much else I can do:( I can't afford to be down with the flu or a cold!

Running went well this weekend. On Saturday, I ran 8.5 miles on the trails at Mohican and then lifted weights and did abs. Today, I meet up with Rob, Don, Luc, Julie and Michelle at 7 am at the Covered Bridge in Mohican to run at least 16 miles. It was a rather cool and foggy start but all in all a good run. We did encounter a couple of things along the way, the first was a poor racoon laying on the trail by the river. It must have been sick because it was squirming around and looked strange. It scared me because I thought it might attack us!! The second encounter, was on the purple loop, which includes the little and big lyons falls. We were running at the bottom of the little falls and there was hunters above us. We heard a shot go off and it sounded like it was directed at us! It was close and loud! It got us all moving pretty quickly!! We got back at the Covered Bridge with 12 miles and called it a day. Oh, by the way, the hamstring is much better but the numbness in my right leg from the pinched nerve in my back has been bothering me. If it's not one thing it's another! Until next time.........

Happy Birthday, Corey

Yesterday was my oldest son, Corey's, birthday. I can't believe he is 22 yr. old. It seems like he was just a little boy running around the house. What I would give to be 22 again and know what I know now! LOL He was born around 4:20 in the afternoon after 24+ hours of labor. After all that hard work, the Drs. took him by c-section but what a relief it was. I was so tire of pushing! He was a big one at 9 lbs 2 oz and 21 and 1/2 inches. The biggest of all three! The weird part was I only gained about 22 lbs. but I ran and swam through the whole pregnancy so it was all baby. He has grown into a fine young man and the world is wide open to him. Love you, Corey and Happy Birthday!!

Yesterday, I managed 6 miles, lifted wieghts, bicep and tricep workout and swam a mile and a half. Today, I ran annother 6 miles, lifted weights and swam a mile and a half with 10 x 25yd sprints, 6 x 50yd sprints and 500yd pull. The hamstring still hurts and doesn't seem to be getting any better:(. Tomorrow, I will probably run on the trails since it's easier on the body!

Keith started to feel bad last night at the fall sports banquet, first yr. letter in football, and this morning he had a fever of 101 with an achy body. Oh, no here it comes! He slept most of the day and woke up with a terrible headache and feeling like shit! Hopefully, it will run it's course and he will be better by tomorrow. The bad think is, I'm the one who will probably be next even though my hands are raw from washing them so much! Everybody say a prayer for us!!!

A Soggy Trail Run

Decided to run on the trails today, thinking that the soft surface wouldn't be so hard on the hamstring. It felt much better than if I would have been on the road but I could still feel it pulling the whole time I was running. The heat seems to help loosen it up but I think I'm overstretching and that is irritating it. I'll just keep at it and take it easy. True to my word, I kept the miles low and got in 5.5 in the rain. On my way to the Camp A parking lot, it started to rain pretty hard. Oh well, couldn't very well turn around and go home, so off I went in the rain. The leaves on the ground started to get slippery so I ran rather slow but it was kind of peaceful. After I got home, I got dried off, went to the Y, swam a mile and a fourth and did a 45 min. spinning class. No lifting today:)

Tomorrow, will be Corey's 22nd birthday!! Happy B-Day, Sweetie!! It seems like yesterday since he was born. It's hard to forget 24 hrs. of hard labor and then the Drs. deciding it's time to do a c-section.But you all know me and I toughed it out and got a beautiful baby boy!! He is still at school so we will celebrate when he comes home for Thanksgiving. Until tomorrow.........

Not The Best Decision

I ran twice today, but it probably wasn't the wisest thing to do since my hamstring seems to be getting worse. Any suggestions for a quick cure would be great!! Don Baun told me to heat and then stretch which helps alittle but it is really tight and has a pull feeling. I'm going to try and run through it by staying with low miles. Hopefully, that will work!!

Ran 5 miles this morning and lifted weights. This afternoon, I ran 6 miles with Haley Young. Actually, 5 with her and a mile to my car for 6 miles total. It's always fun to run with Haley so I can catch up on all the gossip. Until tomorrow, stay strong and keep on runnin................

Hamstring Trouble??

What the #%@#, I have finally got over this pinched nerve thing in the back, now my right hamstring is really bothering me. For the last couple of weeks, I have been trying to ignore it but it is getting worse. Yesterday, on the trails, I could feel it pulling the whole time but since I was on a soft surface, I figured I would be ok. I had alittle trouble sleeping last night because it ached. This morning when I got up, it was very tight, but as I moved around and got Keith's breakfast it loosened a bit. Decided I would go ahead and run a short five and see what would happen. At first, it was painful and tight and I know I was running with a limp. The longer I ran, however, it started to loosen up. Right now it's justs aches and really pissing me off. The price I pay for running too much at my old age.LOL I did get in a slow 5 miles, lifted weights and swam a mile and a half with 14 x 25yd sprints, 4 x 50yd sprints and 500yd pull. The swimming didn't bother my hamstring at all. I did ice it after I got home from the Y and plan to ice it before bed. Hopefully, it's not going to be a big deal!!

The Last Game

It's was sad yesterday, seeing Corey walk off of the field for the last time. My, how the last four years have flow by! Marietta played Mt. Union and got crushed 56-0. Corey had 6 tackles and left his heart and soul on the field for the last time. He will be lost for awhile but he is structured enough that will set up a routine to keep him going. He wants to continue lifting and would like to run a half marathon this spring or sooner. We were thinking about the Athens half since it is close to Marietta. Of course, I will be right by his side. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Thrusday will be his 22nd birthday. He has grown into a fine young man and I am so proud!!

Kyle had a good day running at Rose-Hulman in Terre Haute, IN. OWU run in the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional Championship meet, placing 6th out 36 teams and only 30 pts away from going to Nationals. Kyle was fourth for the team and 62nd out of 248 runners with a time of 27:2 for the 8k course.He said that the course was tough and the times were slow in general. Kyle also recieved acedemic all-american for the region. I am so proud of him!!! He was ready for C-C to be over so he could start running track, which is his true love. He loves to run fast unlike his mother. LOL

Yesterday, I got in 6 miles and did a short lift and today, I did 16 miles on the trail and another short lift. My hamstring is still bothering me, but the longer I run the better it feels. I think I will just run easy for the next week or so and hopefully it will work itself out. The price you pay for getting older!!

Unmotivated!!

I don't think I can get anymore unmotivated than I have been today. Just feeling tired and sluggish! To top things off, my right hamstring has been bothering me. I don't think it's a big deal but it's enough to piss me off! Ran 6 miles at around 7:00 this morning, got my weight lifting in and swam a mile and a half, including 450yd pull. Keith didn't have school today bacause of teacher-parent conferences but went shopping with his girlfriend for most of the day. Since he was gone, I did absolutely nothing but lay around and watch TV. I felt guilty because it was such a nice day and I should have been outside doing yard work. Tomorrow, we will be traveling to Mt. Union, to watch Corey play his last football game. Kind of sad:( Kyle will be running at Terre Haute, IN in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championships. We won't be there, so best of luck to him and his teammates! He is ready for C-C to be over and anxious for track to start. Should be exciting!! I'm so proud of my boys!!! That's all for now...........

On The Trails

Met Mike Keller, Daniel Bellinger and Don Baun this morning at 7:00 for a trail run at Mohican. The temperature was about 27 degrees at the start and my right hamstring was bothering me so I didn't know what type of run it would be. It turned out to be a very fun and relaxing run! We started out running along the river until we reached the covered bridge. From there, we headed up to the firetower and ran on the road until we got to the gorge overlook. It's been a long time since I have been at the overlook so it was a real treat to see and enjoy the beauty of it all. We then, headed down some trail that was to intersect the bike trail, according to Don. Sure enough, we found our way to the bike trail for the last three miles. I have never ran on that part of the bike trail so it was nice to do something different. It was a really nice morning and great conversation:) Never a dull moment with those guys! Thanks!! Of course, I couldn't stop there, so I came home and lifted weights:D

Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you to all those who are serving or did serve our country! It's because of all of you that we have this great place to live in! We should all be so proud!! On rte. 39 going into Perrysville, the cementary had hundreds of flags honoring the fallen. It was really cool and I wish I had my camera for all to see.

Yesterday, I swam a mile and a half with 450yd pull.

After two days off of running, I got in 5 miles this morning. It was a very slow 5 miles but at least I got it done. I'm still tired and it's not a sleepy tired , more of a physical tired. I think the last month of racing has finally caught up to me. I just need to be patient and let my body heal along with my mind. LOL After my run, I lifted weights and after talking to a very wise ultrarunner, Mr. Ron Ross, believes that strength is very important to a runner especially as you get older. I probably over do the lifting part but I really enjoy it! Crazy, I know!! I then went to the Y and swam a mile and a half.

The plan for tomorrow, is to meet a group of people at Mohican for a run. I think we will be running around 14 miles. Hopefully, it won't be a very hard run but I'm always up for running with others on the trails.

Bobcat Trail Marathon

The weekend started out with a trip to Tiffin,OH to watch Corey play at Heidelberg College on Saturday. It wasn't a very good day for the Marietta Pioneers on the gridiron. Marietta lost 42-14. It was a far cry from last week when they beat Otterbein. Corey however, had a good game with 8 tackles and a fumble recovery. One more game left for his football career and then I'm going to try to turn him into a runner:D

Sunday was the Bobcat Trail Marathon in Glouster, OH at the Burr Oak park. It was a beautiful day for a run on the trails! I have never ran a marathon race on the trails, so I had no idea how to run it. I started out with a 50k pace which was nice and relaxed since I was not too sure how recovered I was from the 50 miler two weeks ago. I got in a real nice group of about five runners and met a woman named Cassandra McCune. Her and I stuck with four men for about the first 10 miles. The leaves were thick and the terrain was pretty rough and I only went down once in the first 10 miles. Thank goodness the leaves were down to cushion my falls! After we left the first aid station, there were about five or so runners ahead of us and we soon discovered that we had all made a wrong turn and were off course. We ended up running a half mile off course by the time we were on track again. At that point, I was running 4th for the women but was able to catch up with the 3rd place woman because she was in the group ahead of us that also got lost. Her and I picked up the pace and passed the woman that was in second. Everything was going just fine, even after a couple more spills in the leaves and I was able to pass the second place woman at about mile 18. I even got tangled up in prickers and had blood running down my arm and leg. I probably was quite a sight at the end of the race!! For a course that was suppose to be flat and fast there were a lot of hills and it seemed that they were all in the last six miles. By mile 21, I was starting to suffer a bit but I knew I had to keep pushing. I was told that the leading woman was about 15 min ahead of me. I knew I probably wouldn't catch her but you know me I had to try! At mile 22, I caught up with Kevin Martin, who was also struggling a bit, so we stayed together and kept each other going. With 2 miles left, I was really hurting and the hills just kept coming. Everytime I came to a hill in those last couple miles, the curse words would come pretty easily. Thanks, Vince! (the race Director) I was able to make up some ground on the leader and I managed to pass a couple more male runners, but it was TOUGH! I finished 2nd female and 11th overall with a time of 4:41.23. So much for a fast, flat course!

I think at this point, I'm more physically tired then anything. I'm not sore, just tired! This old body can only take so much! Overall, it was a great race and a perfect day to be out on the trails. I'm glad I did it but glad it's over! Good job to all those who ran the race! A prayer goes out to Ron Ross who turned his ankle at miles 10 and had to stop. Hope it is ok!

The next couple of days, I will take it easy. I swam 1 and1/4 miles today and will probably do the same tomorrow. I will try to start running on Wednesday.

A Little Bit of Everything!

Well, it's Friday night and nothing to do. Mark and I did go out but neither one of us wanted to go far or do anything fancy, so we went to East of Chicago for pizza right here in Loudonville. Kieth is out on a date with his girlfriend, Shelby, Corey is on his way to Heidelberg for their game tomorrow and I have no idea what Kyle is doing since they do not have a meet tomorrow. Hopefully, he is behaving! I am really looking forward to having everyone home for Thanksgiving break in a couple of weeks. Corey and Kyle will have to go back to school for finals before they are off for Christmas. Then, they will be home for a month and I will probably be ready to send them back at the first of the year.LOL Very proud of Keith's grade card, that was sent out today. He has an cum. grade pt. of 3.7 and this nine weeks he had all A's with two B+'s. Next semester, he will really have to buckle down because his classes will be a lot harder. I can't remember if I already talked about this but Keith has decided not to go out for basketball and instead will be running indoor track and lifting for football. He really was quite a good basketball player and would probably have seen some varsity time this year as a Sophmore. However, he really loves football and wants to get stronger and faster so Mark and I gave up trying to persuade him to play on the court.

Not really tapering for Sunday's marathon and I will probably regret it half way through the race. I ran 5 miles this morning and swam 1 mile that included 450yd pull. For some reason, my right hamstring was bothering me. I don't think it's a big deal because once I got warmed-up, it was fine. I'm alittle nervous about Sunday, I just don't want to get lost and I want to run if not a respectable time than at least a respectable place. I'll let everyone know how it turns out! Until next time...........

On The Trails

Ran 6.3 miles this morning on the trails in Mohican. Did it alittle different this morning by starting at the Firetower instead of the Covered Bridge. From the Tower, I got on the bike trail and ran north until I hit the horse trail and then ran on it, up to the Bridle Staging area. From there, I ran back to the Firetower and then headed south on the bike trail. I have never been on that part of the trail so it was a nice change of pace. There were hills and switchbacks but nothing too hard. The leaves are off the trees so foot placement is not as hard as it was a week or so ago. I ran between 10:30 and 11:00 min. miles which was very comfortable. I will probably try to run 10:00 min. miles or better during Sunday's Marathon. I really don't know how to run a marathon on the trails, alot will depend on the course. After my run, I went to the Y and swam a mile that included 300yd pull and 150yd kick. On the way home, I just had to stop at Wal-Mart to shop. LOL

Tomorrow, we will finally have a free night because High School football is over for us. Maybe Mark and I will go on a date!! Corey play's at Heidelberg on Saturday, Kyle has the weekend off and I will be running on Sunday. It's going to be a slow weekend!LOL

First Snow of the Season

Got up and out the door by 8:30 this morning without paying attention to what the weather was doing. Had on tights, a long sleeve shirt and glooves. I decided that I would be tough and not wear a hat or head band which was a big mistake. About a mile and a half into my run, I noticed it was starting to snow, but no big deal, I have ran in snow before! It started to snow harder and harder and it was that big, flake, wet snow that feels like rain. I couldn't believe it! The longer I ran, the more it started to snow and the wetter and colder I got! I think I looked like a snowman running down the road because the snow was sticking to me, my ears were freezing and my nose probably was fire engine red! I even had on my new road shoes that were delivered yesterday, so they got wet, which really pissed me off! So much for keeping my new shoes clean and dry! The other bad thing was, I had left our dog, Rollo, outside and he was soaked by the time I got back. Poor thing, I kind of felt sorry for him! Not only did I get wet and cold running, but I felt horrible! My legs were tired and I tried a heel lift in my right shoe that the foot Dr. wanted me to try, BIG MISTAKE!!! I had to stop and take it out at about mile 2 because it was making me feel unbalanced and my right leg was hurting. Maybe I have to just get use to it, don't really want to find out. I have enought problems with injuries without adding to them! Anyway, ended up with 6.5 miles, lifted weights and swam a mile and a half. I then went to Sam's Club to shop and spend money!!

Yesterday, I ran 7 miles and felt a heck of a lot better than today. Did weight lifting and then cleaned all the wood floors in the house. I need to start tapering for Sunday. I have never ran a marathon on the trails so I have no idea how to run it or what type of pace I should shoot for. I guess, I'll just go with the flow!!!

A Lemke Weekend

I haven't had any time until now to write anything about the weekend until now, so here goes.

The weekend started out Friday night at the Redbird Stadium. The Loudonville Rebird football team, which includes my son Keith, played the undefeated Fredericktown Freddies. As you can see from the first picture, it was parents night since it was the last home game. Unfortunately, the Redbirds lost in the last 30 sec. of the game with a score of 31-28. It was quite a great game but it just wasn't in the cards for us to win and of course , we made our share of mistakes! Keith had a good game on the defense side of the ball with 6 tackles. I am so proud of him this year. He worked very hard and did a great job all season. He loves football, like his older brother, so this winter he has decided not to go out for basketball and instead, he is going to lift and run indoor track. He wants to play football in college so that will be his concentration.

Saturday, turned out to be a great day! First of all, Kyle who runs for OWU, ran in the All-North Coast Athletic Conference C-C meet at Liberty Park in Powell, OH. He had quite a day running! Conditions weren't the best because it was cold, rainy and muddy! He was able to break into the varsity squad for the second time this season, placing 4th for the team and 30th overall out of 109 runners. For the 8k course, he ran a 27:56.3. The top four runners for OWU, were all sophomores! The team placed 4th behind Allegheny,Wabash and Oberlin. Good job, runners!
I don't have any pictures of Kyle at the meet because I was at Marietta watching Corey play his last football game at home.

Corey played his last home game of his football career at Marietta. It was Senior Day and they honored all the senior players and their parents. The picture above is us on the field before the game. Out of about 67 players that came in with Corey as freshman, there are only 6 left. I am so proud of Corey that he stuck it out!! At times, it was very rough for him, but he is my son and he knows how to stick things out!! They played Otterbein, who was undefeated and ranked 7th in the nation, until Saturday. Marietta hung tough to the very end and won!! Everyone was in total shock!! It was such an upset!! Marietta had only won one game until then! It was a great victory!! Sometimes, that's what it is all about, winning the one special game!! Corey had 6 tackles and 1 pass break-up. Great job, Corey!! It was kind of sad however, because that was his last game in Marietta. He will only have two more games and he will be done. He will miss it terribly because for the last 12 years of his life, he has gone nothing but eat, sleep and breathe football. He will adjust and move on to the real world!! We are so proud!!

My running went pretty good this weekend. Friday, I ran 6 miles, lifted weights and swam a mile and a half. Saturday, I ran 6.5 miles. On Sunday, I ran 15.5 miles on the trail at Mohican. Today, Monday, I ran 6.5 miles, lifted weights and swam a mile and a half. I have also decided to run the Bobcat Trail Marathon this coming Sunday, which should be my last race of the year, unless I decide to run a 5k here and there!!

A Little Bit Of Everything

I didn't mean to workout so much today, especially after all the racing I have been doing the last 3 weeks, but..... once I got started and feeling half way decent, I just kept going! Alittle OCD don't you think!! Anyway, this how the day went:

-3.5 mile run
-lifted weights that included bench, incline bench, decline bench, fly on exercise ball with straight arms, bent arms, reverse fly, shoulder press, inverted row on bar and abs.
-45 min. spinning class at the Y
-1 mile swim

Monday and Tuesday, I was lazy and only got to the pool to swim after a morning nap.LOL

I'm still undecided about running the Bobcat Trail Marathon on Nov. 8. There is also a group of runners meeting at Mohican the same day so I will do one or the other.

Keep on runnin and take it from me, if there is a will there is a way!!!

Run With Scissors Double Marathon

Running a 54.4 mile race after two marathons in two weeks, what was I thinking! Yesterday, I ran Run with Scissors Double Marathon which was in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Penninsula, OH. The race was all on trail with hills, rocks, roots, leaves, stream crossings and lots and lots of mud. I did ok, but my time was slow.10 hrs and 17 min. I wanted to at least run an hour faster but under the conditions and on legs that weren't freash, I guess I'm happy. It was a tough course, tougher than I thought! I finished 1st female and 5th overall.

The morning started very early. Mark was going up to crew for me so we got up at 2:00am and left the house at 2:30am. We arrived in Penninsula around 4am with the race start at 5am. The start would be in the dark and I was alittle uncertain about footing since the leaves would be covering up the trail. I decided not only to wear my headlamp but to also carry a small flashlight which turned out to be very helpful to the group I was running with because I could shine the light up in the trees to see the ribbons marking the course. The first 10- 15 miles were in the dark and everyone was having a good time. Runners seemed to be split up in groups to help each other with lighting and directions. Actually, it was fun to be on the trails at that time of the morning, seeing all these lights bobbing around was really neat. I got with a group of about 4 guys,which made me feel secure and we helped each other through the dark. At about mile 12, the sky started to brighten and it got much easier to run and follow the course. When we reached the covered bridge, at mile 10, the aid station workers gave us a pair of scissors to carry with us. We had to find this skeleton head on the trail, that would have with it, two books. We were to cut a picture out of the book and take the picture and scissors back to the aid station. I must say that this was different! At mile 18, I started feeling bad and started thinking that I would only be able to do the marathon. I think my blood sugar was low from not eating, so I made sure at the next aid stop to eat and drink. After that, the food, gatoraide and coke kicked in and I felt like a whole new person! Thank goodness I had other runners with me to keep me going! At the turn around, I ate some soup and turned around to do it all over again. The second time around was much harder and I walked more which caused me to run the second lap, 20 min. slower. Somewhere around 30 miles, I was trying to avoid some mud and ran into a patch of prickers and scratched up my leg. It looked like I had sliced open my leg with all the blood but it eventually stopped and dried up along with all the mud that was caked on my legs! With 20 miles left, I started to get tired but tried to keep pushing myself. The legs were starting to really suffer!! It was so good to see the finish line and I was so happy that I didn't stop after the first loop.

Congrats, goes to all the finishers and Roy Heger for putting on a great race! David Peterman, who won the men's double and Beth Woodward won the women's marathon(she even got lost) both ran great races as did Michael Patton, Mark Carroll, Ron Ross and Tanya Cady.

Now it is time to take it easy for a while!! I knew I had to do something today to keep my muscles loose so, I swam 1 and 1/4 miles at the Y, I think it helped loosen me up. As for what's on my plate next, who knows, maybe the Bobcat trail marathon on Nov. 8. Time will tell.........

Another Good Trail Run

Ran 6.5 miles this morning on the trails at Mohican. Once again, it was so peaceful and quite. If I didn't have the 50 miler this weekend, I would have gone for a long one. It's just a great time of the year!! However, it sounds like the weather is going to change and the rain is on the way. So, that give me another thing to worry about for the weekend. Now, I have to worry about the wet trails along with the dark and leaves. I hope I survive!! After my run, I lifted weights. I then decided it was time to clean and move the bedroom furniture. Man, what a job but I got it done!

We heard from Corey this morning, and he is feeling much better! His throat is still sore but he is now able to eat and drink. The Dr. told him that it has only been 48 hrs since he has been on his medicine so it might just take awhile. Hopefully, that is the case and he will be better soon.

My plans for the rest of the week will be a swim tomorrow, total rest on Saturday and lots of praying on Sunday!!!

A Beautiful Fall Run

Only ran 5 miles this morning on the trails at Mohican. It was such a great morning to be on the trails. I ran along the river and it was so peaceful and quite. It really does the soul good and gives you a chance to think about life and such. I wish everyday could be like that!! When you are done with such a great run, you have to go back to reality and face the everyday problems. At least one can get away for awhile and enjoy the beauty God gave us.

My reality, today, as I'm running on the trails and thinking about the upcoming 50 mile race on Sunday, was how am I going to see all the rocks and roots on the trail that the leaves are covering up. It became very obvious that the leaves are going to be a problem on Sunday. It's very hard to see where you are planting your feet and I have a great fear that I will fall. I will just have to watch what I am doing and pray that I don't go down:( The other problem I have with this Sunday, is starting in the dark. The race starts at 5 am and it will probably be dark for a couple hours. I am not familiar with the course plus the leaves and the dark, I'm sure to make a wrong turn:( I'm really going to have to stay focused and alert or I will for sure will get lost! My plan is to try and stay with someone who knows the course, at least until it gets light! I'll have to say a lot of prayers and keep my fingers crossed!

After my run, I went to the Y and swam 1 an1/4 miles.

Also, we got a call from Corey, Monday evening and he was running a fever and had a sore throat. Of course my first thought was H1N1, but he went to the Dr. and tested neg. for both strep and H1N1. They gave him an antibiotic but at this point his throat is very sore with swollen glands, but no fever. He got through practice, none the less and will probably go back to the Dr. tomorrow if he is not better. As usual, I'm very worried. No surprise, there!!! Until tomorrw.........

Columbus Marathon

Well, I survived the Columbus Marathon this last Sunday. I wanted to run a 3:30 and was able to better that goal by running a 3:24.39. I was 574 out of around 16,000 runners, 8th out of 133 in the old lady division, and 74th out of 1,502 total women. Fairly pleased, considering that this was my second marathon in 7 days. The odd thing now is, I'm not sore at all. Compared to last week after the Towpath Marathon, which I could hardly walk for two days. I think the slower pace may have saved me this time. I ran about 20 secs. slower per mile. If I would have known that my legs would be ok afterwards, I would have ran harder!

The morning started out earlier, since we didn't stay in Columbus the night before. Mark and I, got down to Columbus and parked at about 6:30am which meant we left the house alittle after 5:00 am. After finding a bathroom, we got to the starting line around 7:10am and had to push and shove our way through the crowd to find the 3:30 pace group which was being lead by Darris Blackford. I figured that if I stayed with him, he would most definitly lead me to my 3:30 goal. I just couldn't believe how many runner there were. The last time I ran Columbus, there probably was half the runners there were this time. My plan was to run with Mark(he was running the 1/2) until he split off and then just go from there. The gun sounded and it took us about 45 sec. to reach the start line. Once we got going, we had to dodge alot of runners who should have started back farther. That really pisses me off!! The first couple of miles were slow and my leg were cold and stiff. My right calf was also bothering me until I started warming up at about mile 8. At that point, Mark started to drop and I was getting into my rhythm and started focusing on the task at hand. By mile 10, all aches, pains and coldness were gone and I felt much better. I knew it was coming, but at mile 14, I had to make a pit stop, which cost me only 30 sec. Thank goodness I only had to pee! From that point, I worked hard to catch back up to the runners that I had been running with and eventually passed them. I started to drink gatoraide at mile 18 which I think helped a ton! From about mile 18, which was around the OSU stadium, I would have one good mile and then struggle with the next mile, but I kept on pushing through it. I don't care how fast or slow you run a marathon, the last miles are long and painfull. At that point, it's all mental and how well you can deal with the pain. On those last couple miles, I always tell myself that any one can run 2 miles and try to catch the runners infront of me or try not to let any runners pass me. When I finished, I saw a couple of friends. Ron Ross was right behind me and I ran into Michael Patton, who ran a sub-3 hr race. Good job, guys! I actually felt pretty good when I finished and could tell right away that I would recover better than last week. I finally found Mark in the crowd, and we both waddled back to the car. Mark ran a 1:54 for his 1/2 marathon. Glad it's over and on to this Sunday's 52 miler at Run With Scissors.

When I woke up yesterday, I was just alittle sore and stiff. I swam 1 and 1/4 miles at the Y.

Today, I ran 6.5 on the trails and lifted weights, with only alittle soreness in my right calf. At this point, I'm not sure if I will run the whole 52 miles or just run 26 miles. I'll decide later.

A Cold Night for Football!

Ran 5 miles this morning in the cold. I finally broke out the long pants and tights! Took a shower and went down to Columbus to pick up my number for Sunday's marathon. I'm feeling better every day so I hope that everything will go ok on Sunday:) Not quite as sore or stiff!!

Tonight's football game in Loudonville is going to be a cold. I'm going to wear ski pants and coat. I'll probably still freeze. Keith's hamstring has really been bothering him so I hope he will be ok since it's going to be cold. I told him that he is going to have to keep it warm and stretched at halftime but he never listens to good, old mom. LOL GO BIRDS!!!!

Cold and Rainy

Ran in the cold,rain this morning:( My whole body was achy and tired. My nose is running so I pray to God that I'm not getting sick. I'm asking myself, why in the hell did I sign up to run the Columbus Marathon on Sunday? Hopefully, once I get there and see all the runners, my adreniline will kick in and I will be good too go! Ran 6 miles, lifted weight and swam a mile and a fourth. Good luck to everyone that is running Columbus:)

The Lemke's will have another busy weekend. Keith plays East Knox at home tomorrow night, Corey plays at Marietta against Ohio Northern and Kyle runs in Gettysburg, PA on Saturday. Sunday, will be the marathon. WHEW!! I'm tired just thinking about it!!

Getting Better

Felt much better today!! My Quads are fine but my calves are still sore. My right calf is bruised on the ball of the muscle. Usually, when there is a bruise on the muscle like that, there is a tear. However, I was able to run this morning, even though it was painful. I have been icing and heating so I think I'll be ok to run on Sunday. How fast, I'm not sure. I ran 5 miles, lifted weights and swam a mile and a fourth. I have been feeling good when I am swimming and have no leg pain at all!
After working out this morning, I went to see Kyle at OWU. They are on fall break until Monday, so we went out to lunch and did some shopping. He couldn't come home because of c-c practice and they will be leaving for Gettysburg, PA on Friday for a meet. He has grown up so much and has become a fine young man! We had a good time this afternoon, and before I knew it I had to leave. It's always sad to leave the boys at school and go home with out them. I don't know if I will ever get use to it:( Sometimes I wish they were little again and I could tuck them in bed and kiss them good night. I always say good night to them no matter were they are! Good night Corey and Kyle! Good night all!

Not Much Better

I woke up this morning, still very sore and stiff. I really don't know why this marathon was so much harder on my body then the previous ones. My quads and calves seem to have taken a beating on this one, even though the marathon was run on a soft surface. I have been icing and stretching but decided that I shouldn't run for another day. Two whole days off from running, from me, that's unheard of!!! I do need to run tomorrow, if I plan to still do Columbus. My plan now, is to run the first half, with my husband Mark, who is doing the half marathon. From there, I will go on how I feel. I would like to think I could do a 3:30 but in my current condition, anything under 4 hrs and I will be happy.
Today, I lifted weights and swam a mile and a half.

Sore and Stiff

Don't know why, but I am really sore from this last marathon. I could hardly walk this morning when I got out of bed and last night I didn't sleep well because I couldn't get in a comfortable position. I haven't been this sore since Mohican 100. I think I did everything I was suppose to when I was done yesterday, like stretch, walk a bit and drink chocolate milk. I just don't understand why I'm so sore this time and not other times. I even took an ice bath last night and froze my butt off!!! Hopefully, I'll be better by tomorrow, so I can at least run alittle. I was able to hobble to the pool today and swam 1 and1/2 miles. I do believe that helped some:) I'm still planning on running Columbus, Sunday so I hopefully I'll be better by then.

I found out the names of the two people I ran with at the Towpath Marathon yesterday. Eileen Meisler, who ended up placing 3rd overall for the women and Doug Klein, who placed a couple runners behind me. Without them, I probably wouldn't have run as well as I did. It is nice to know that you are never alone during a race even amoung runners you don't know. Thanks, guys:)

Towpath Marathon

I ran the Towpath Marathon this morning and am somewhat pleased with my performance, although it could have been better. The Towpath is a bike path minus the pavement in the Cuyahoga Valley Nation Park, so it was easier on the joints and legs. I am however, pretty sore and stiff. I don't know if it was the distance, pace or plain old age, I did however, finish. I ran 3 hrs 17min 23 sec and placed 2nd overall female. I was on a 3:15 pace until the last couple of miles but just couldn't hang on. I was running 5th for the women until about the half way point and then slowly started to pass the other women. At mile 20, I passed the 2nd place woman and was gaining on the first place woman until those last couple of miles. She only finished about a minute ahead of me, I just couldn't get her:( I fell in pace with a man and woman(she ended up third) at the very beginning of the race and it was a big help because we kept pushing each other! A big thanks to the two of them and I will get their names when the results come out. I need to try and train for those last two miles in the marathon, they always get me. If anyone has any ideas let me know. If it is not to late to get into the Columbus Marathon, I am planning to run it as an easy training run. The following week will be Run With Scissors 52+ miles on the trail. Hopefully, I can survive without an injury.
Good job to David Peterman, Ron Ross and Roy Heger who also ran today!!

Tomorrow, will be a easy swim at the Y, if I can get out of bed. LOL

A Little Behind on the Posting

It's been a couple of days since I last posted anything, so with not much time here is what has been happening.

Thrusday - ran a total of 7.5 miles with the C-C team and that included 8 x 400 on the track, all between 90 and 95 seconds, which was fine with me since I have the marathon on Sunday.

Friday - no running but swam a mile and a fourth. Keith and the Loudonville Redbirds beat Centerburg but Keith, personally had another rough game.

Today, Saturday - Complete day off so I can be ready to go tomorrow. Corey is playing at John Caroll this afternoon and Kyle has the weekend off. I'll probably head to the fair soon ,one last time, since today is the last day.

Details tomorrow on how the marathon went.

Taper, Who Me?

Well, so much for tapering before a marathon. Today, I ran 6 miles, did a weight workout for my biceps, triceps, back and did abs. Went to the Y and swam 1 and 1/2 miles. Went to the fair and watched Keith sing in the chior and of course, more fair food. While Keith was at practice, I took a nap instead of doing housework. Then back to the fair to socialize with people I normally only see this time of the year. Tomorrow will be intervals with the c-c team in the morning, since school is out for the fair. I heard we will be going 12x400. Don't know if I should be doing them with the marathon on Sunday, but why not, I just won't run them all out LOL. My plan for the rest of the week will be a swim on Friday and a total day off of Saturday. Depending on how Sunday goes, my plan is to also run Columbus:) Probably will end up hurting myself, but why not run them if I can:)

Loudonville Street Fair

Today the Loudonville Street Fair started and will run through Saturday. If you have never been to the fair you should try to come. It a great time for everyone. I have been going since I was a little girl. I showed market steers and hogs there growing up and passed it on to my boys when they were old enough. Sports eventually got in the way and by the time they were in HS they stopped showing. Two years ago, Keith got Grand Champion Market Hog. We had to keep our animals at someone's farm so it was a real hassle but always fun! I always count on gaining a couple of pounds when the fair rolls around. Hopefully, it won't hurt my marathon on Sunday. Even saw Joe and Dawn Crawford and their son tonight! Maybe I'll see you there, too!!!!!!

In the paper last week there was a poem/song that sums it up for us folks here in Loudonville.


Street Fair Song by Rev. J. H. Kuhlman

I'm going back to Loudonville
I'm going back to stay,
Where beauty blazons ev'ry hill,
And glory crowns the day.
Walhounding's valley beckons me,
'Tis time that I should start '
Where flows Mohican towards the sea.
Where beats Ohio's heart,
I'm going back to Loudonville,
I'm going with a smile;
Of other towns I've had my fill,
No matter what their style,
Here let the great world thunder by,
With all her arts and ills,
I've found, I've wot, my beauty spot
Mid Ashland County"s hills.
I'm going back to Loudonville,
To see her famous fair,
Than which there is, for throngs and thrill,
No greater anywhere.
The big balloon is going up,
The parachutes come down
Oh, what a treat, where thousands meet,
And boy, Oh, whata town!
I'm going back to Loudonville,
Beneath October skies;
The band is out, the barkers shout,
and hot dog odors rise,
"Hold everything"- Oh, what a thrill -
Make way for me, make way!
I'm going back to Loudonville, I'm going back to stay!


I ran 6.5 miles on the trails and it was such a beautiful morning. Came home and lifted weights. Gave the dog a bath, cleaned three bathrooms and did laundry. Went to the fair this evening and ate pizza and lerch's donuts!!!!!!

Decision Made

I have decided to go ahead and run the Towpath Marathon this Sunday. Not sure how fast I'll run it or how much I'll even taper for it but I signed up for it today! Maybe I'll try to do a 3:30. That should be a good pace for me without killing myself.

Today, I ran 6 miles in the morning and I was sort of stiff and sore from yesterday's 20 miler. Lifted weights and swam 1 and1/2 miles. Tomorrow, I would like to run on the trails and just do about 6 miles. The Loudonville Fair starts tomorrow, so I'll probably have to go down and get fair food! HEY!!!

Always a Busy Weekend

The above pictures are of Kyle at the All Ohio C-C Championship on Friday and Kyle and Corey after Corey's game on Saturday in Marietta.

Kyle ran in the open race and ran a 29:27.2 for 39th place out of281 runners. The course was hilly, muddy and very slow for everyone. Kyle did break into the top 7 for Wesleyan so that was a good thing!! The football players in our family didn't fair so well. On Friday night, Keith and the Birds lost to Utica 18-15. Keith is very down because he missed a couple of key tackles and I think he is afraid that it will cost him his starting position. I hope not but we will find out this week. Corey also struggled on Saturday, when Marietta played Capital. He missed a tackle and the guy scored so Corey was pulled out and didn't play again until the fourth quarter. He also missed an extra point on the first touchdown for Marietta and on the second touchdown, his backup kicked and made the extra point. Marietta ended up losing 34-13. I feel real bad for the boys, but in Corey's case, you have to look at the big picture and he is almost done with football and he needs to concentrate on the rest of his life. He has had a great football career and should hold his head up high. We all need to remember that everyone has bad games no matter how good you are!! Alot of praying also helps!

As for my running, on Friday I ran 8 miles and lifted. Saturday, I run 11.5 miles. Today, I ran 20.5. The problem I am having now is deciding if I should run the Towpath Marathon this coming Sunday or do Columbus. Maybe, I'll do both. On October 26, I am running Run with Scissors 52 mile trail race, so the other two marathons I am not for sure.

The last thing I want to add, is to tell everyone to come to the Loudonville Fair this week Oct. 6-10. If you have not been to our fair in Loudonville, you should try to come. What a great time you will have. Until the next time............

A Slow Run

Ran a slow 8 miles this morning. Felt slow and stiff. Maybe it's the cold weather. The bad thing is, it's going to get colder before it gets warmer. Went to the Y and swam a mile and a fourth that included 16x25yd sprints. That's it for the day but the weekend will be another busy one. Kyle runs the All Ohio in Delaware tomorrow afternoon. From there, we have to get home for Keith's football game and on Saturday it's a road trip to Marietta to watch Corey play football against Capital. I just tired thinking about it!!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone stays safe and performs to the best of their ability. I'm always so proud of my BOYS!!!!!

Intervals On The Track

I ran 5 miles this morning and did weights for my biceps that included things like curl with a bar and dumb bells, rows with the bar and dumb bells, incline curls, reverse curls, hammer curls, across chest curls and curls while my elbow is on my knee. I also did abs which included crunches a hundred different ways, russian twist with a 10lb weight and v-sit. In the afternoon, I joined the c-c team for an interval workout on the track. It was 2x400, 2x 800, 2x400 and 2x 100. They were tempo pace interval which is about 80% effort. The first 400's were at 90 secs. each, 800's were 3:16 and 3:17 and the last 4oo's were 91 and 92 secs. The 100's at the end were to be run like you were finishing a race. We did a mile warm-up and a mile warm-down. Total miles 6. For me, the pace was nice and relaxed and I tired to concentrate on form. It's been a long time since I have thought about my running form. I think as I have gotten older my form has suffered, mainly due to my back problems. I need to try and think about it more often! Total for the day-11 miles

It's cold!!!

Woke up this morning to hear the wind blowing outside and if I didn't know better, I would have thought that it was snowing. We left a couple windows open last night and it was cold in the house. I don't think I'm ready for winter yet!!! After Keith headed off to school, I ran 8.2 miles in a cold drizzle. I wore shorts, a long sleeve shirt and gloves, I'm not ready to break out the tights yet! After my run, I lifted and then went to the Y and swam 1 and 1/2 mile that included 500m pull. Went shopping at Sams Club because Corey needs some stuff at school and we will be seeing him down at Marietta this weekend. Now I'm tired and in a bad mood and all I want to do is take a nap but I know that won't happen, maybe it's PMS!! LOL Until tomorrow.........

More Speed and Hills

Yesterday I decided that if I want to get faster and more efficient in races, I have to quit doing what I call "junk miles" and start to doing intervals, tempo runs and different things to improve my leg turn over. I feel that I have the ability to run faster than a 7:00 min. pace per mile as I did on Saturday. I know that I will never be as fast as I was 10 or 15 yrs. ago but I still would like to improve my times in all distances. The key will be to stay healthy, train smart and not over do it like I have a tendancy to do.LOL With that being said, Today I ran an easy 5 miles in the morning followed by weight lifting. In the afternoon, I did a hill workout with the c-c team. Behind the Loudonville High School , there is a hill that everyone calls the football hill because years ago, the football team would have to run it for punishment. It's about 200 meters long and is straight up. We did about a mile and a half warm-up, 10 hills nonstop(I ended up going 13 because I ran 3 extra with the slower girls)and then 3 miles for a warm-down. Total miles for the afternoon was 6.5 because I also count the half mile from my house to the school and back. Total miles for the day-11.5. So far I'm off to a good start!!!

The Weekend

The above picture is the relay team for the Akron Marathon that was held yesterday. Lf to Rt-me, sorry forget the next girls name, my sister Pam, Michelle and Shannon.

Let me first start with Friday. Ran 6 miles, lifted weights and swam a mile. Keith and the Loudonville Redbirds defeated Johnstown with a score of 20-0. This is the first time we have ever beat them in the 6 years that we have been in this conference. This is the first game that Keith started on defense and had 7 tackles. So right now he is playing both ways. It has been a long time since the football team has had a record of 3-2. Go Birds!!!!

After only about 2 hours of sleep, I got up at 3:30 am on Saturday to meet my sister for the relay at the Akron Marathon. I was to run the 5th which is the last leg but decided to run the 3rd and 4th leg also with my sister and Michelle so I could get a long run in. It was exciting to see the lead runners come through while Pam and I were waiting for our 2nd leg runner to come in. Pam's leg was 6.8 and we ran a nice pace. It was good to be able to run with her a chat because we don't see each other much. She is 2 years older than I am and is a piot and Physical Therapist. She has run quite a few marathons including the Great Wall of China Marathon. She also struggles with back issues and sometimes I wonder if it is a hereditary thing. I ran just a little bit with a girl named Michelle, who was our 4th runner. I tried to pick it up to about a 7:30 pace for the 2.5 miles of that 4th leg. Once she handed off to me, I wanted to run 7:00 pace for the 7.9 miles. I was able to do just that because I ran it in 56 minutes so it probably was a little over. I was happy that I could maintain that after running 9 miles before that.
Through out the entire race I saw a lot of people from our area. I talked to Bob Schroer while waiting for our 4 th runner to come in. He seemed real excited because he thought the team he was on would place in the old age group. LOL. Also saw Joe Crawford after the race and he ran a PR in the Marathon. Good job to everybody!!! Oh, I almost forgot, I would like to thank the young man who shared his chocolate milk with me at a little store right down town by the finish. We were both looking for the milk and there was only one pint left, so we split it. Thanks a ton whoever you are!! Warmed down a little bit and then had to get home, take a shower and go to Baldwin-Wallace to watch Corey play football. Mariatta lost 34-14. Corey had 6 tackles, made one extra point and missed the other. He had his bicep stepped on which was giving him some trouble but today it was only sore. Next week Mariatta plays the big, bad Capital University. Please, lord keep everyone safe!!!

Now, on to today. A group was meeting at Mohican, this morning for a 21 miler on the trails. I was planning on going but, since Fri. night and last night I didn't get much sleep, I hit the snooze button and went back to bed. I feel like a wimp and some what guilty but I was sooo tired! I did run 12 miles later on in the morning and went to the Y and swam a mile with 450yd pull. total 1 and 1/4 mile swim. Tomorrow, I hope to do a hill workout with the c-c team. Enough talking for now...........

Two Good Runs

Ran 5 miles this morning and felt good:) Did weight lifting for my biceps, triceps, and back along with abs.

This afternoon I ran with the c-c team getting a total of 7 miles in. We did 5 x one mile repeats and the girls really rocked! Everyone was running under the times that they were suppose to run and I think all of us were felling pretty at ease with the pace. Not big on remembering the times but most were 6:30 to 7:00 minutes. Pretty relaxed pace!

Saturday, I will be running the Akron Marathon relay that my sister put together. I will be running the last leg which is 7.9 miles. I do not know the other girls on the team, except my sister, or what type of runners they are. I guess it really doesn't matter. I will just go with the flow and have fun!! I promise!! Until tomorrow.......

Total miles for the day--12

Is It Really Fall?

I can't believe this weather. The humidity is through the roof and when I got done running this morning it was like I jumped into a swimming pool. I was totally drenched in sweat like it was the middle of the summer! I have never really minded the heat but I can't stand the humidity!! The dear weatherman keeps saying that a front is moving in to cool things off, he had better not be wrong!! And for once we closed our pool before October, so I can't even enjoy a dip in our pool to cool off. Anyway, I ran 8 miles again this morning and decided to skip the weights and go straight to the Y. Swam a mile and a fourth and then went to spinning class for 45 min. I can still feel the soreness in my quads then standing up on the bike or it's because I am not riding as much as I did this spring?

I talked to my sister tonight, who is also a runner, and is doing the Akron Marathon on a relay team. A long story short, one of the girls on her relay team is sick so there is a chance I will be running the last leg for her team. Should be fun! I love not planning things and just jumping into races at the last minute, that way I don't have to think about it!

Tomorrow will be a two-a-day. I plan to run 5 in the morning, lift weights and then interval workout with the c-c team. Although things can always change! It's time to start getting on Keith to get ready for bed or it will be midnight before he makes it. He's my night owl!!!