The Last Run

The last run of the year was a good one :) I got 10.5 miles in on the trails at Mohican!! It's my favorite place to run and is a great place to go just to be you!!!!!!

The trails were mostly uncovered by the snow due to the warm weather we have had in the last couple of days. At times there was snow, then ice, mixed with mud. Just the way trail running should be!! This morning at 9am it was almost 50 degrees and partly cloudy. What a way to end the year!!! It was great to be in shorts which made it feel like spring! There is something really neat about running in the snow, in shorts!!! You gotta love it!!!!!!

I went at an easy pace because of tomorrow's 50k at Granville. It's just a FA that is being put on by Jay Smithberger. It should be a good time with good friends!!!!! Nothing hard just lots of miles :) Oh, I also did a lift.

As for the new year, no resolutions made here!! I usually make a couple and never keep them, so this year I won't make any and maybe I'll be able to accomplish some things that I normally wouldn't throughout the year!! Who knows :) All I really want is for my family to stay healthy, happy and to accomplish all their goals and dreams!!!

As for my running, this year has had many ups and downs!!! Starting with 2 DNF 100 milers which was a real kick in the butt for me since this was the first time I have not finished a race!!! I had some 50k wins but no PR's and am proud to have won the Western Reserve Trail Series and to have finished Oil Creek 100 but with a slow time. I think sometimes us runners are never satisfied with ourselves!!!! Most of all, I am happy to have met so many wonderful people out on the trails that have inspired me and pushed me beyond my limits!! Thank you, all!!!!!

Turning 50 this year has also been a bit rough!!! Getting my first grand master award was a bit depressing but at the some time a great honor. I am proud to be able to inspire people by my accomplishments even at my age!!!! I think it's more of mental thing but I can tell my body is slowing down and taking a bit longer to get moving. I am determined to keep pushing until I can't go anymore!!!

Everyone have a great evening and stay safe..............

SLACKER

For some reason, this holiday season has caused me to become very lazy!!!! Other than getting ready for Christmas, I have not been doing much of anything :( It's called being burned out!!!

About the only thing I have been doing is getting my runs in and those are only half- hearted!!! It has been so hard for me to get up in the morning and all I want to do is sleep!! I haven't got anything done around the house and find myself taking multiple naps during the day. The house is in deperate need of cleaning and I do what needs to be done and that's it. I finally went grocery shopping today, since before Christmas. The kids were complaining about not having anything to eat so I decided, it was time!! I think I have become one of those no fun moms who sit around on their butt all day and do nothing!! My kids are always asking me what's the matter and I tell them I'm in desperate need of rest but not to worry because at the first of the year, I will be back to my normal self!!! I guess everybody needs a break!!!! I think it's kind of a mental injury and a couple of weeks off should heal everything!!!!

Anyway, last week's training looked like this........

Thrusday 12-23-10 10.5 miles on the road and lifted weights

Friday 12-24-10 6 miles on the road Christmas with the Lemke side

Saturday 12-25-10 8 miles on the road Merry Christmas to all and Happy Birthday to my Dad who turned 80 on Christmas!!! A great Christmas morning with the boys and then the afternoon with my side of the family!!

Sunday 12-26-10 17.5 miles at CVNP for the Waterfall Run and the Western Reserve Trail Series Banquet. Congrats to all the award winners!!!!

Monday 12-27-10 10.5 miles on the trails with Don Baun and Zac Huff and then lifted weights. I have decided not to do Boot camp this month and concentrate on my running. I think I will start spinning class three times a week at the beginning on the year.

Tuesday 12-28-10 6 miles on the road and felt terrible. I think I had some type of achy flu :( Didn't feel good the entire day!!

Wednesday 12-29-10 10.5 miles on the trails and lifted weights

Thrusday(today) 12-30-10 8.5 miles on the roads that were icy!!!!! No swimming the entire week :(

I need to get my act together in the next couple days and decide what races I want to do in the new year. So far I have the Regis 50k and Umstead 100. It's TIME TO GET SERIOUS :))))

Rest

Even though the past week has been very busy with Christmas stuff, I am starting to realize how important it is to rest your body. Since I have not had time to do my regular workout routine and my schedule is off, I am realizing how much better I feel!! I am being forced to take total days off and have been limiting my runs, swims and not as much lifting or boot camp classes. This forced rest, is making my runs sooooo much better and I actually am not exhausted all the time!! Maybe there is something to this rest thing!!!!!

Anyways........ we will see if I can break this cycle and continue to be nice to myself!!!!

For today, I ran 9 miles on the road and swam 1.25 miles with 450yd pull. Don't ask me why I stopped at 9, I just happened to be at the front door when the garmin hit 9 miles. That's all folks :) Now I am baking and getting supper ready with a smile on my face!!!

Tis The Season!!!

The last week has been very busy!! It is all alittle overwhelming!!! So many things to get done before Christmas and I'm running out of time!! I promise myself every year that I won't wait until the last minute to get things done but once again, I'm scrambling!!!!

My running and workout routine has suffered, much to my dismay :( I have been trying to get things done like last minute shopping, Christmas wrapping, baking, extra cooking because all the boys are home(which is a good thing), this means more trips to the grocery store and extra Christmas shopping for the in laws, because of a death in the family. This causes me to be like a real bear!!!!! I think I enjoy Christmas more, after it is over!!

My training log since last Wednesday 12-15-10........

Thrusday 12-16-10 10.5 miles on the trails and lifted weights
Friday 12-17-10 boot camp at 5am followed by 10 miles on the trails with Don Baun. Kyle came home from OWU for winter break!! Went out for dinner with the whole family which was real nice!!
Saturday 12-18-10 12 miles on the trails but was nervous because of deer hunting for the weekend!! Probably wasn't the smartest idea!!
Sunday 12-19-10 Ran 5 miles with the Mansfield Y run club at the Hair Of The Dog Run. This is a run that has aid stations with alcohol!!! After I got home, I ran another 5 miles for a total of 10 miles for the day. Calling services for Mark's Uncle Eddie :(
Monday 12-20-10 DAY OFF!!!!! Went to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame with Keith's history class
Tuesday 12-21-10 10.5 miles on the road. Felt pretty good, I think due to a day of rest!! Lifted weights

Tis The Season..................

Old Man winter, Already!!!!!

For some reason, this cold weather has been tearing at my soul!!!



The last couple of days, running and life in general has been a real struggle :( I should be in the Christmas spirit but instead, I'm tired, achy, crabby, lazy, sluggish and not in all in the mood for all the things I need to be doing to get ready for Christmas, like shopping, wrapping and baking!!



As for my running, I think the cold and snowy weather is taking a toll on this old body!! It has been extremely hard on me running in the cold and sloppy weather. The last cou;le of days, I have just wanted to cry after my runs!! It has just been beating me up!! Maybe, once I get use to the weather, I'll be ok????



Yesterday 12-14-10, I ran 6.5 miles on horrible, slick roads and swam 1.25 miles.



Today 12-15-10, Boot camp, 7 miles on the road, 1 and 1/2 mile swim with 500yd pull and a 45 min. spin class.

Workouts

After Bigfoot 50k

Monday 12-6-10 Very, very sore quads - no boot camp and no running. Swam 1.25 miles that included 450yd pull and a 45 min. spin class.

Tuesday 12-7-10 The quads are still sore. Almost feels like someone had been hitting them with hammers!! Managed to run 11.5 miles on snow covered trails with Don Baun and Zac Huff.

Wednesday 12-8-10 Boot camp, 6 mile run, and 1.25 mile swim

Thrusday 12-9-10 7 mile run on the road and finally feeling good :) Lifted weights

Friday 12-10-10 No boot camp because of the snowy roads. 8.5 miles on the roads in the am and lifted weights. Run #2 on the trails in the pm for 7.5 miles. Total - 16 miles

Saturday 12-11-10 6.5 miles on the trails in the am and then an entire day of Christmas shopping!!!!

Sunday 12-12-10 12 miles on the road, 5 of the miles Mark ran with me. It was a cold, wet, and sloppy run that turned into snow before I was done!! Lifted weights

Monday 12-13-10 No boot camp AGAIN because of the weather!! 6 miles in the am on the snow covered roads and it was very cold and windy!! Lifted weights. 6 miles in the pm on the dreadmill. Total - 12 miles Keith was happy with a day off of school :)

Bigfoot 50k

This past Sunday,12-5-10 was the Bigfoot 50k at Salt Fork State Park near Cambridge , OH. I entred a couple of months ago, thinking that it would be a good way to end the year!! It was but I had to battle through it, even before the race started!

The day before the race, I was in a bad mood and was wishing I didn't enter the race. Since I had already signed up there was no turning back but I wasn't happy and I sure didn't feel like running a 50k in the cold and snow!!

Mark and I got up at 3:30am to make the 1hr and 45 min trip down to the Salt Fork Lodge. We got there in plenty of time to check -in and do all my pre-race rituals. It was great to see many of my running friends, with quick hellos and hugs, before the race started at 7:00am. The start was cold and windy with snow on the ground and flurries on the way!

The race consisted of three 10+ mile laps, with about 2 miles of it on the road. I felt good at the beginning not pushing myself which caused me to get slightly behind. No worries, I was going to run on how I felt! Got in with a group of about four guys, that included Dave Essingler, and we seemed to set a good pace. I tried to run most of the first lap with the exception of the two very steep hills. We got a little lost on our way back to the lodge but no big deal, only cost us a couple of minutes!!

With the first loop done, I was still feeling good and managed to run the second loop as fast as the first, 1hr and 44min. plus catching the second place woman. I did slip going down a hill on the second loop and ended up sliding on my butt but no damage done except for a little bruising :)

It was the third time around, that started to give me trouble! At the beginning of the third loop, I was able to stay up with Dave, which helped me keep the pace. Half way through that last loop, the wheels sort of fell off and I started to struggle! The wind was blowing hard on the road section and my quads were really hurting. I thought I couldn't pick my legs up one more time!! I pressed on, walking more this time around and losing time! The finish line was on an uphill which hurt like crazy! I know I must of looked miserable at the finish but everyone was so nice by telling me how good I looked and what a strong finish! We all knew better!! lol Time 5:24:18, 2nd female and 10th overall. Can't quite figure out my slow time and sore quads because three weeks ago, I ran Bill's 50k Bad Ass on a much harder course and a faster time plus no soreness. It might have to do with no tapering and long downhills!! Who knows????? Overall, I'm please but mad at myself for having to walk some on the third lap!!

A big thank you to Vince Rucci and Brandon Huff for putting on yet another great race!!

Day Off

Kyle today at the Marietta College track meet

Today is a day of complete rest!! I need to be somewhat rested for tomorrow's 50k!! I guess it's a good thing but I have been in a bad mood all day!!!!

More Of The Same

Keith and Kate after making their gingerbread house.

Nothing much exciting has been happening! I do wish for the summer months back!! Maybe not the 90 degree weather but 70 degree warm, sunshine would be nice!! Winter is here, however, so I had just better get use to it!!

Yesterday(12-2-10) I ran with Don Baun and Haley Young for 5 miles on the road. I ended up with 6 miles because of the 1/2 mile from my house down to the fieldhouse, where we met. It was a nice pleasant run but cold!!

Today(12-3-10) Boot camp, 5 miles and 1 mile swim. I guess that is my taper for Bigfoot 50k :) I'm not really sure I want to run the race :( Just not into the end of the year racing, I guess. Plus, I'm just TIRED!! As I said before, I don't like the cold and I do believe that it will be cold and snowy on Sunday! The name of the game at this point in the year, is to have FUN!!!!!!!

Have a great weekend, everyone and stay WARM!!!!!!

Wind, Cold and Snow!!!

Of course, when I get ready for my run this morning, it just had to be blizzard like conditions!! After running in shorts and a long sleeve shirt yesterday, today was the complete opposite. I think that I was just not prepared for the weather but it was down right miserable!! The snow was coming down hard, the wind was blowing and the roads were slippery!! Gotta love it, NOT!!!!!!!

Anyway.........

Boot camp at 6am, 6 mile run, 1.25 mile swim that included 5x25 yds and 5x50 yds sprints followed by 500yd pull. I did some errands and then back to the Y for a 45 min. spin class. TIRED :)

The next three days will definitely be easy so I can rest for Bigfoot on Sunday. I promise :) My body is tired!!!

Good news, today and news that I wasn't expecting!! I won the woman's division of the Western Reserve Trail Series!! Quite an honor :) Congrats to Mark Carroll for winning the men's division!! I would like to thank all my running friends for the hours you have spent training with me on the trails and all your inspirations!! It's been awesome and I'm looking forward to many more miles :)

Probably To Much, Oh, Well

The above picture is of the boys on Thanksgiving and for some reason they all hate to get their picture taken!!

I have gotten a little behind on my blog, so here is a recap of the last five days........

Friday 11-26-10 Met at the Covered Bridge at MO with Michael Patton, Steve Zeidner, Mark Carroll, Lindsey Brokaw, and Cheryl Splain. To everyone's surprise, both entrances to the CB were closed and by the time we decided on what to do, the rangers came and opened the road, so we were good to go. Everybody stayed together for the first five miles, which was part purple loop and then on a trail which I think ended up being the Stage Coach trail. From there, everyone ended up running different distances. I attempted to hang with Michael and Stephen for 21 miles. They were kind enough to slow down every once in a while so I could catch up!! It was a good run for me, do to the fact that I pushed myself but not to the extent of exhaustion :)

Saturday 11-27-10 Ran once again at MO, this time on my own. I did the 11 mile x-terra course and surprisingly felt good :) That was about all that was good on that day! I am not in the Christmas mood at all and my attempt to put up decorations only put me in a VERY bad mood! It is just one more thing to do and seems like a real chore this year!! Hopefully, this will change as the holiday continues!! Kyle left to go back to school, which is always a struggle for me!! I always hate when the boys leave!!

Sunday 11-28-10 Another run at MO!! I want to get my fill because this week is deer gun season and it won't be safe to be in the woods. Mark went out with me this time. We parked his car at the PR start and then drove my car to the trail head by the Firetower. We ran 9 miles to Mark's car on the bike trail starting somewhere before mile 16. He stopped at his car and I ran back and then had to add on for a total of 20 miles. The legs were tired by the end but over all a good run!!

Monday 11-29-10 Boot camp in the am, 6 mile run on the roads and 1.25 mile swim. By the time I got home, I felt like I was getting the flu but I think the last three days had finally caught up to me and my body was crying out for some rest!! I slept most of the afternoon and ate a good meal which brought me out of the funk!!! Not a great way to taper for Bigfoot 50k on Sunday, so I think I'll try to slow things up alittle and rest!! Well, maybe! LOL I'm not really planning to race on Sunday, so a big taper is not really necessary. I would just like to run a strong, solid race and alot will depend on the weather.

Tuesday 11-30-10 A very rainy day!!! Ran 6.5 miles but thankfully, the rain stopped for me and started back up just as I got done!! I ran into my friend, Haley, for a couple of miles. We had a good chat and it seems college life is treating her well :) Lifted weights and once again, attempted to put more decorations up. This time, I was in a much better mood :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!

I hope everyone has had a blessed day!!

I am so thanksful for all the blessing I have!! I have a great, healthy, happy family, great friends and just an overall great life that the good Lord has gave me!! I have to remember this more often and not just on Thanksgiving!!

I am thankful for the rain we had this morning, making me stay under the covers and take a much needed day of rest :) However, watch out tomorrow!! It will be a mega mile day!!!!!!!!

I Am Thankful For Just More MIles

It's been a busy week so far!! With Thanksgiving tomorrow, The BIG holiday season upon us and the three boys always coming and going, there just isn't any time to put my feet up and relax!!!

Monday,11-22-10, was a good but busy day. Got up at 5am for boot camp and then met up with Kim Boner for a run at Mohican. We got in 22.5 miles on a warm day. It was great seeing Kim and we had great girlie conversations as we pounded the trails. Monday evening was the Mid Buckeye Conference fall sport banquet in Newark, OH. Keith was invited because he received 2nd team for football!! SOOO very proud of him!!!(3rd and 4th pic.) He has accomplished a lot this year and has improved so much!!!!! Kyle also came home for Thanksgiving break. He is looking good and the above pictures(1st and 2nd pic.) are the before and after haircut!! What a difference!!!

Tuesday,11-23-10, woke up tired and sluggish. It was hard to get motivated but I finally got out the door around 10am for a 6 mile run. Went to the Y for a swim. Did 1.25 miles that included 450yd pull. I really struggled in the water :( It felt like I was pulling a boat!!!!!!

Today, Wednesday,11-24-10, 6am boot camp, 6.5 miles on the road and 1.25 mile swim. I struggled with all the workouts, probably over doing it again!! Simply, TIRED!!! Maybe, tomorrow, if we get all the rain they say we are to get, I will take an entire day of rest!! Do you think that will actually happen?????

Always Playing Catch Up

For some reason I just can't keep up with my blog :( There seems to be more important things going on and yes, I do get a little lazy :) So here goes..........

Thursday 11-18-10 10.1 miles on the road and weights. Loudonville had their fall sports banquet and Keith received his second football letter. So happy for him!!! Each player had to tell everyone what they liked best about football, and of course, Keith said he liked wearing tight pants on Friday night!! It just figures!! HAHA

Friday 11-19-10 Corey's 23rd Birthday!!! I did another brutal workout!! Boot camp, 7 mile run on the road, 1.25 mile swim that included 10x25yd sprints, 500yd pull and 100 yd kick, and 45 min. spin class.

Saturday 11-20-10 10.5 miles on the trail and weights. 4 of those miles, Mark ran with me.

Sunday 11-21-10 14 miles on the trail and Mark ran 5.5 miles with me. Did abs when I got home. Tonight, Corey will be home and we will celebrate his B-Day

Happy Birthday, Corey

Just a short note, that on this day, 23 years ago at 4:35pm, I gave birth to my first son, Corey!! He was 9lbs 6 oz and 21 inches long. The c-section was a must!!

I can't believe it's been that long ago!! My, how time flies!!!!

Happy Birthday, Corey!!

He has grow into such a fine young man!!! There has been so many good times and a few bad, but I wouldn't trade any of it!!

Love you!!!

Cold and Rainy Runs

I very much dislike running in the rain but I hate running in the rain in 40 degree weather!!! That is the way it has been most of the week with the exception of a treadmill run. There is nothing worst than running in the cold rain and freezing during the run and after. It usually takes me all afternoon to warm back up!!!

Tuesday 11-16-10 20 miles at Mo with Don Baun, Tom Patton and Cheryl. We ran the red/green loop and stayed together until we reached rock point. Don and I decided to pick up the pace a bit and just as we left RP, it started to rain! The last 10 miles were pretty miserable but we got it done!! Thanks Don for making a not so pleasant run, bearable :)

Wednesday 11-17-10
6am boot camp
6 miles on the treadmill - 1 mile warm-up, 4 miles of 1 and 2 minute pick-ups, all under 8 minute pace, 1 mile warm-down
1.25 mile swim that included 500yd pull
45 min. spinning class

Thrusday 11-18-10 Got a late start this morning and because of that, I ran in a cold, damp drizzle. Ran 10 miles on the road. It has been a long time since I ran that far on the road and on tired legs, I was amazed at how well I felt!! Weights after my run :) Now it is time to get ready for the Loudonville sports banquet!!

50 Miles In Two Days

Friday Nov. 12, 2010 - 6am boot camp followed with a 1.25 mile swim. No running so I could be a bad ass on Saturday!!

Saturday Nov. 13, 2010 - Wild Bill's Bad Ass 50k - 7th overall, 2nd female with a time of 5:22.40. The FA consisted of 6 laps of the famous Perkins loop in CVNP. I felt horrible the first lap :( Really didn't want to run and I felt sluggish and heavy so the first lap was way slow. After I got going, things started to get better!! The more laps I completed, the fast I got! At the end, I didn't even feel like I was pushing myself and I think I could have ran faster!! I wish all my 50k's felt that way!! It was nice not killing myself :) It was really fun running with and seeing alot of my running friends!!! A special thanks to Bill Wagner and Chef Bill Bailey for putting on a great FA!!

Sunday Nov. 14, 2010 - Ran a 20 miler with Michael Patton, Don Baun, Mitch Myers and Michelle Bichsel at Mohican. We ran the bike trail in the opposite direction, which is part of the trail that I don't run much. It was a nice change of pace!! Michael and Mitch headed to the bridle trail and then to the purple loop while Don, Michelle and myself went straight down to the covered bridge, down along the river and then back up onto the bike trail by the way of the short loop!! (I hope that makes sense!!) My leg were tired and I was hungry most of the run but it ended up being a pretty good run!! Thanks, everyone!!

Monday Nov. 15, 2010 - Skipped boot camp this morning :( Way to tired!! Made it to the Y for a 45 min. spin class and then a 1 mile swim. Thought about resting the whole day but just couldn't do it!!! LOL I did however, take the day off from running because tomorrow will be another 20 miler at MO!!!

A Slow Start

I got a late start this morning, just unmotivated, I guess!

Finally, around 9:30am, I got out the door and drove to the Covered Bridge at Mohican. Really didn't know which direction to take but finally decided to do the purple loop, minus the hand over hand climb and then on to the lodge loop. I had to add alittle more down the flat side of the river to get in 10.25 miles. I felt tired most of the run so I didn't push and enjoyed myself in yet again, another gorgous day!!!

Tomorrow, I plan on taking the day off from running inorder to rest alittle for the weekend of running. It will probably be a high milage weekend with Wild Bills Bad Ass 50k and a long run at Mohican :)

Fall Days

You gotta love the weather, the past couple of days!! Such beautiful fall days makes everything so much better!! I love the cool, crisp mornings and the warm afternoons with the smell of leaves in the air. It is even better whien you are able to go runnning on the trails and realize all the beauty there is. It makes life's problems seem so small and unimportant!

Yesterday moning, I met up with Don Baun, Dan Bellinger, Tom Patton, Julie Miller and Cheryl Splain, for the most peaceful, gourgous run. We ran the orange loop and then along the river for 15.5 miles and didn't see a soul. No bikers, hunters or hikers, just us runners listening to our breath and the crunch of the leaves beneath our feet. If you have never been out on the trails to experience this, it is really priceless!!!! Try it sometime and I assure you, you'll love it and be hooked!!!!

Today, November 10, 2010, 6am boot camp that included all kinds of lounges, kicks and jumps and then 1 mile timed run. On tied legs, I ran a 7:15 min. mile without really pushing myself :) After class, I ran an easy 5 miles and then 1.25 mile swim. The swim included 500yd swim with a sprint every 25 yds. and a 400 yd pull.

On to the family drama!! Corey is still struggling with this girlfriend, or I should say ex-girlfriend. She is so using him right now but he just can't see it. Maybe, one day the light bulb will go off and he will realize that there is other fish in the sea!

Keith has decided not to play basketball which I am really struggling with. I have been really upset with him for not playing but am getting over it. The good news, which we just found out, he made the MBC team(football) for the conference and will be recognized at a banquet on Nov. 22. So proud of him!!!

On to Kyle! He has been doing well at school and is back to running. He is getting ready for the indoor season and seems to be doing well at this point. Hopefully, the season will go well for him! Other than not having heat in his house, things seem good :)

Enjoy these fall days, everyone............................................................

Workout Crazy

This how the day went - 6am boot camp
5 miles on the treadmill which I did 1 mile warm-up, 3 miles tempo and 1 mile warm- down
1 mile swim
45 min. spinning class
pumkin pie in the oven
steak for supper
laundry
to bed early :)

A Crapy Weekend!!!

It's really been a bad weekend other than the two good trail runs.

It seems like everybody in the house just can't get along. We are all on each others nerves and all I want to do is go run on the trails or lock myself in the bedroom!! I guess we all have those times!!

Had two very relaxing trail runs at Mohican. On Saturday, I ran 12.5 miles and Sunday, I ran 15.5 miles. I didn't push myself and felt good! As a ran today, I could just kick myself for not getting into The Bobcat Marathon. It's my fault for waiting to long and getting closed out. Oh, well, the rest from racing probably did me good :) I'm looking forward to next weekend, which will be Bill's Bad Ass 50k.

Cold, Snow, and Sickness

It has been a weird kind of day!! Got up for boot camp after a short night of sleep. Very tired but drug myself out of bed. Normally, I run right after class and then swim but not this morning. Keith was home sick from school with strep and bronchitiis so I thought I had better get home to check on him. No swimming today and the running would have to wait!

After waiting hand and foot on him, just like a man likes it when he is sick, I tried to get out the door thinking that a 5 miler would be just fine! I decided to wear tights for the first time this year because I was freezing cold and I'm glad I did!! As soon as I started down the road, there came the first snow flakes of the year!! Ugh!! Not already!!! The snow didn't last long but the wind and the cold did!! I was surprised at how good I felt after a 12 miler yesterday and boot camp earlier. So good, that I ran 8 miles with little effort :)

I had to stop there because Keith needed to eat alittle something before he headed to school in the afternoon for Bio II class. He had a test and in no way, shape or form was he going to miss it, sick or not!! By the time he got home from school, he seemed to be feeling better!! Today, is his girlfriends birthday, so of course he is well enough to go and celebrate with her!!!

Really glad I'm not racing this weekend :) I'm going to try and get out on the trails both Sat. and Sun. and hopefully, have a couple of relaxing runs. Relaxing runs, who me, I promise I'll try :)

Miles At Mohican

Met up with Don Baun, Dan Bellinger, Tom Patton and Cheryl Splain, this morning at Mohican. We ran the x-terra course and added on an additional mile to get in 12 miles. It was a cool start but warmed up as the morning went on. I didn't plan on running the entire 12 miles but I felt good and for once there was no aches or pains. Did weights when I got home that included tris, shoulders and core.

I couldn't believe what happened late this afternoon, after Keith got home from lifting. The head basketball coach and two players that are good friends of Keith's pulled into our driveway. The coach really wants Keith to play, so I guess he thought a house call was necessary! We have never had that happen before so I thought that it was pretty cool that somebody thinks that much of Keith that they want him to play for them. He hasn't made up his mind but practice starts tomorrow so I guess the decision will have to be made tonight!! He really just wants to lift and get stronger for football, which is good but I think he needs more to get faster and quicker!! Mark and I are leaving it up to him, although we try to weigh the pro and cons for him! I know it will be alot of work and time and if his heart isn't in it, it will be a long winter! I'll let everyone know when the decision has been made...................

Back At It

Boot camp has now been changed to 6am instead of 5am so the extra hour of sleep was nice. For class today, we had to take a fitness test! Oh, no, I knew I would be in trouble since I was still recovering from this past weekend! We did a burn out on certain exercise to see where our fitness level was at. This means we had to do the exercise until we couldn't do it anymore. These included the following, planks, front and side, push-ups, lat rows, skull crushers, bicep curls, bent over rows, lat raises, lounge jumps, squat thrusts and a 1 mile run. It was pretty difficult for me and I would share with you my results but they are embarrassing!! I'll put it this way, there is alot of room to improve :) I am glad I have decided to comtinue with the class, not only to continue to improve my fitness but because of the great people I have met!!!

After class, I ran 5 miles and then swam 1.25 miles with a 250 yd pull and 200 yd kick. Felt better in the pool then I did running!!!!

Good news for Corey!! He got accepted into Kent State's accelerated nursing program which will start Jan.10th. Good for him!!!! He needed some good news!! So proud of him!!!!

Out Of Sync!!!!

Ran 5.5 miles this morning and I was still very stiff and sore from the weakend of running :( Just all kinds of aches and pains going on! I even wondered if I would be able to make 5 miles but as always, I survived!!

Did weights after my run and I feel like I am sort of starting over. I am not able to lift as much as I did a month ago, so I'm staring a new and trying to lift correctly and slowly :) I hope in a week or so, I'll be back up to my normal lifting weight. In the mean time, I will probably be sore!! I have also decided to continue with boot camp and try to add in a couple of days of spinning. I'm worried it might be too much, so I'll just have to try it and see how it goes.

A short up date on my son, Corey and his broken heart. Things have settled down some, mainly because they are talking again. She wants to be his FRIEND but at the same time she calls him every night and says how much she misses him!! The poor boy is very confused and is in limbo!! I, on the other hand, pray that she is not leading him on!! It seems like she wants him there when SHE wants him there and to hell with what he wants!! Such drama!!!!!!!!! Stay tuned..........................

The Lemke Way

It was a fast and busy weekend, so I'll start on Friday 10-29-10

Boot camp in the AM followed by 1.25 mile swim with 450yd pull. No running do to the fact that I would be doing two races, well not really racing but I'll call them tempo runs :)

Keith had his last football game of his junior year against Fredricktown, who is state ranked. They ended up getting beat 40-14. At least they scored and no one got hurt!! Keith had a good game with around 16 tackles, 3 or 4 carries getting about 30 yds and 2 extra points! It has been a tough season for the boys and not all the blame falls on them. I won't dwell on the coaching but I hope things change for next year. I can only image how hard it is to coach these days. You can't make everybody happy!! Keith had a goal of 100 tackles for the year and passed that goal easily. He was second on the team for tackles and I think second in tackles for the Ashland area! He also played alot of offense this year but I am not sure of the stats yet and of course, he ended up being the team kicker which I'm sure will extend into next year!! So proud of him!! Now, the college hunt will begin so by next fall he will have an idea of where he would like to go to college. Right now, the big decision will be if he is going to play basketball. He played in elementary, jr.high, and his freshman year. Sat out his sophmore yr and now is thinking he should play again!! Stay tuned........

Saturday 10-30-10 - Mark and I got up and headed to the Mohican Lodge to do The Nu Race Trail Run. The race was for the Nu hop Camp for children and consisted of a four different races, a 3.5, 8, 13.5, 31. Mark did the 8 miler and I signed up for the 13.5. I felt good in the beginning and for some reason I found myself running with most of the 3 milers. Way too fast!!! We hit the lodge trail until we came to a trail called the stage coach trail on the other side of the road. I have never ran on that trail before and found it very hilly!! About half way through the race my dear old legs started to fail me!! I think the fast start and still being in recovery mode didn't help!! The stage coach hills had to be walked but I made it to the end for a first place finish for the women!! I won't mention the time but it was nothing to write home about!! It was great seeing Rob Powell and Joe Crawford, who did the 31 miler and Dawn Crawford who did the 8 miler. Congrats to all!! It was a nice race and for their first year, it was put together very well!!!

Sunday 10-31-10 - Happy Halloween!!! Once again, Mark and I got up very early, 2:30am, and headed up to CVNP to run Run With Scissors, marathon and double marathon. Last year, I ran the double but this year decided to only do the single because of only being 2 weeks out from the 100. The race started at 5 am which means most of the marathon would be run in the dark. Once again, I started out feeling good, running a fairly comfortable with friends that included Mark Carroll, Dan Bellinger, and Mike Keller. At about mile 16, the tiredness and fatigue started to set in and I was having trouble regulating my blood sugar. I made the stupid mistake of drinking gatoraide at the mile 10 aid station and it started to make my blood sugar crash! I had little cliff bars with me, that brought me out of it for awhile but then I would crash again! That kept going on for about 5 miles until I reached the last aid station were I could get some real food. Thank goodness Mike Keller was there to run with me and keep me going! Thanks, Mike!!! It really slowed me down, making my overall time rather depressing :( I did finish 2nd woman and 11th overall. A big thanks to Roy Hager and Shannon Fisher for putting on a top notch race! Also, thanks to all the volunteers, who stood in the cold helping the runners!

Monday 11-1-10 - 1 mile swim and 45 min. spinning class. No running!! I am thinking of dropping the boot camp class and going back to spinning! I love the boot camp class but maybe changing things up would be good for my body. Stay turned............................

Sleepy and Sore

Getting up this morning was hard. This old body was sore from boot camp and my own lifting workout!!! It's nice to be back at it and I know in time the soreness will go away and I will be left with nothing but pure strenght, unless it kills me first!! LOL Once I was up and started to move around, I felt alot better :)

Decided to hit the roads again, thinking it would be better for my knee. Got in 8 miles around the little town of Loudonville!! The first 4 mile were great averaging around 8:30 pace but then the wheels fell off and I struggled to stay at 9:30 pace!! However, the knee felt pretty good, just alittle stiff. BE PATIENT, TERRI!!!!!

Even though I was extremely sore, I did my bicep workout with the weights after my run.

That's all for now folks...............................................

Routine

There is something to be said about being and staying in a routine, especially when you are alittle OCD like me! The past week and a half, I have definitely been out of my routine and it drives me crazy!! Finally, today, I felt like I had some rhyme and reason to my workouts.

All my workouts have been painfully, SLOW!! I know I have to be patient and things will eventually come around. At this point, I have no racing goals, so there is no reason to push things. Normally, I can run an 8:30 pace on the road for training, today I could only manage about 9:30-10:00 pace. I can usually swim a mile in about 32-35 min., today it took me 40 min. and as far as boot camp, I struggled the whole hour, having to stop often and having no drive!! Patience has to be my friend until I can get over this hump!!!!

It was 5am boot camp this morning followed by a 5.2 mile run on the road. It has been a long time since I have been out running on the road. It felt a lot better on my knee, I think because the surface was flat unlike the trails. After my run, I got in the pool and swam 1.25 miles with 150yd kick and 350yd pull. As I sit here this evening typing, my upper body is sore. Maybe I will just do a run tomorrow and give the arms a rest!!!!! However, as the famous saying goes, " There is no rest for the wicked!!!"

Trying To Be Strong In Sport And Life

Went out to the trails at Mohican this morning and got in 8.5 miles. A slow run but it was nice to be out!! Thank goodness it was a warm, fall morning and I missed the rain that came in later in the day! The right knee is still giving me some trouble but at this point, I don't think I'm doing it any harm running. The pain comes from the inside of the knee when I bend it or try to pick it up. I think I could run faster but I'm so afraid of falling or slipping on the trails. I need to be patient and remember that there is no major races coming up. It's time to take it easy and have some running fun!!



I am trying to get back into my lifting routine, again! It has been a while since I lifted other than boot camp so I my upper body has been sore. I have lost alot of my strength since the 100 but I am hoping it will come back quickly!! I know with the lifting we do in boot camp, I really don't need to do any more lifting but I enjoy it!! The plan is to lift on my own no more than three times a week. That may be alittle much but I'll give it a try!!



This weekend, I plan on running two races, although I won't be racing, just running and enjoying myself!! Saturday, Premier Racing is putting on a race here at Mohican and the proceeds will go to Nu Hop Camp. There will be a number of distances you can choose from, 3.5, 8, 13.5 and 31 miles. I will probably only do the 13 miler unless the pain in my knee is completely gone, then I may consider the 31 miler. On Sunday, it's Run with Scissors, marathon and double marathon. This race will be at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula, OH. I will be only doing the marathon and once agian just for fun!! I know I'm probably pushing the recovery alittle but I will be running anyway this weekend so why not run with others and enjoy myself!!!

Now on to the subject of my oldest son, Corey, and all the drama going on in his life!! I am so glad that I am not in my twenties these days!! Feelings and emotions must not mean anything to the younger generation!! I have tried to raise my boys to the best of my ablity and I do now one thing, they are considerate of others and are aware of others feelings!! This girl that has broken Corey's heart must not have been raise that way! She doesn't seem to care who she is hurting or why! All she cares about is herself and to hell with everyone else!! I think she wants her cake and eat it too!! She tells Corey she needs "space" but gets mad at him if he goes out with his buddies!! Very mixed up if you ask me!!!! Poor Corey is in such limbo!!! I just told him to move on but I guess it's easier said then done!!! There will be more to talk about on this subject as the days go on, that I am sure of!!!!! Never a dull moment..........................................

Stir Crazy

After a week of no running, I started to get alittle crazy!! Just ask my family!! I know I needed rest, both physically and mentally but by the end of the week, I was soooo ready to hit the trails!! My right knee was sore and swollen so I don't think I could have ran even if I wanted to :( It was a week of an emotional roller coaster with many highs and lows, not only with the fact that I wasn't running but their was also stress in the family!!

While I was out trying to finish my 100 miler last weekend, my oldest son, Corey was having his heart broken! I found this out after my finish, thank goodness!! His girlfriend decided she needed her "space" and time to have her own fun!! Corey was truely heartbroken!! So, this last week not only was I trying to recover from the 100, but I spent 4-5 very late nights trying to console him. If you are a parent, the worst thing in the world is to see your child hurting, especially when there is really nothing you can do but be there!! As he sobbed in my arms, I tried to take the hurt away but I guess only time can do that at this point!! I'm glad that I could be there for him and try to talk him through the rough times!

Friday night was parents night at the Loudonville staduim. I had the pleasure to be escorted by #14 Keith!! I am so proud of him!! He is turning into a fine young man!! The night ended in a big "W" for the Birds, 70-0, against Northridge!! The boys really had fun for a change!! Keith scored once and had about 10-11 tackles!! He has also taken the roll as the kicker, since the orginal kicker got hurt last weekend. He did a great job on the kick offs, putting 2 kicks into the end zone and made all 10 of the extra points!! What an exciting night!! The boys really deserved the win!!

My workouts for last week -

Mon 9-18-10 Nothing

Tues 9-19-10 Nothing

Wed 9-20-10 1 mile swim with 500yd pull

Thrus 9-21-10 1 mile swim with 450yd pull

Fri 9-22-10 Boot camp and 1 mile swim

Sat 9-23-10 Nothing

Sun 9-24-10 13 miles at Mohican and lifted weights. First run since the 100 so it was very easy. My knee was still bothering me so I had to be very careful not to slip or trip! It was so nice to be out running!!!!

Mon 9-25-10 Boot camp and 1.25 mile swim with 450yd pull

Recovery

I finished Oil Creek 100!!!! It was ugly, but I got it done!! A twisted knee and throwing up all night, sure didn't help but thanks to Mark Carroll, my pacer, I made it through in 29 hrs and 18 min. Not really the race I wanted but I got the buckle!! It sure was a slow, long, cold night!! I will try to write a full race report in a few days but right now there is other things on my plate to deal with!! I would also like to thank everyone who supported me in trying to get this monkey off my back, especially my family.

A big thank you to RD, Tom Jennings for putting on a great race and all the great volunteers who put in countless hours putting the race together!!

Right now. I'm trying to recover, although I may try to run tomorrow. I miss my daily routine and am anxious to get back to boot camp!! No rush, however, I really have nothing on the schedule until November, unless I decide to do Run With Scissors on Oct. 30. Am I happy for the finish, Yes but I need to figure some things out before the next one. I guess with each ultra you do, you learn something new!!!

Nerves

I hate the week leading up to a big race.! I always get so nervous, uptight and thinking way too much!!! This week leading up to Oil Creek 100 hasn't been any different. If anythhing else, It's been worse! All week, I have had an upset stomach, diarrhea, can't eat or sleep and of course the up and down emotions! Boy, makes me wonder why I do this!!! However, I do think I'm ready!! I just have to run smart, be patient, eat, drink, stay mentally tough and most of all believe in myself!! I CAN DO THIS!!!!! I will have a great support system with me, my dear husband Mark, will be crewing and my good friend, Mark Carroll, will be pacing me! Can't ask for much more support than that!! Thanks, guys!! I'll try not to disappoint you and will try to make you proud!!

Friday 10-8-10 8.5 miles on the trails with ab work after. Keith and the Loudonville football team lost once again to Centerburg 24-20. It's been a rough year and is really getting to Keith!! This is the first game, I have actually seen Keith openly show his emotions. Normally he is a pretty tough guy, but when I see tears rolling down his cheeks, I know he is really struggling with all that has been going on amoung the team!! Enough said!!

Saturday 10-9-10 11 miles at Mohican on the horse trails with Mark. Corey and his girlfriend, Lauren were home for the fair. Other than that, a quite Saturday!

Sunday 10-10-10 12 miles on the trails, core work afterwards. Mark, Keith and his girlfriend, Kate went to Cininnati to watch the Bengals, so I slept alot in a quite house.

Monday 10-11-10 TOTAL REST DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday 10-12-10 7 slow miles at MO. The CB is about done :) Ab work.

Wednseday 10-13-10 1 mile swim Really enjoying the rest and my body is thanking me!!!!!!

The Dreaded Taper

What is it about tapering for a race that us runners hate? Are we out of routine, do we feel like we are slacking, do we wonder if we are getting out of shape, do we have to much time and energy on our hands or is it the meer fact that we just plan miss running?? Whatever it may be, I don't like it!! I'm trying very hard this time around to enjoy myself but it doesn't seem to be working very well :( Thank goodness this is the week of the Loudonville Street Fair so that gives me something to do!! Plus, we would believe how clean and organized the house is becoming :) I have one more week until OC so the house should be in spic-n-span shape!!!

I really needed this taper!! I have beat my body up pretty bad this year, although I don't have much to show for it! I'm feeling the normal sluggish, achy, yucky feeling that comes with the dreaded taper, but I'm trying to welcome it instead of fighting it :) I keep telling myself to enjoy this time of rest because in 8 days I will need every once of being to complete this 100. I would really, really love to end the year with a 100 finish and a buckle in hand!! So, no bones about it, I NEED TO REST!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday was my last day of boot camp until after Oil Creek (see I am taking this taper seriously!) and then I went to the Y for a 1.25 mile swim. No running!! Made it to the Loudonville Fair in the evening for some good old fair food. Isn't junk food part of tapering!! LOL It's always fun to walk the streets of Loudonville seeing all the exhibits and people!!

Today, got up around 7:00am to fix Corey breakfast (he came home for the night to go to the fair), got Keith off to football practice and then it was my turn with two other parents to feed the football team. We fed them lunch since they had an early practice. No school for the rest of the week because of the fair. I'm so proud no working out of any kind today!! Going crazy, but proud!!!!!

Turning 50

Well, This past Saturday, October 2, I turned the big 5-0!! I'm not going to talk on the subject much because there is nothing I can do about it. I think I struggled with it more before the day actually arrived. It's hard for me to believe that I'm 50, I really don't feel like it, which is a good thing. Don't get me wrong, I do have my aches and pains but I can deal. When I was younger, I thought 50 was old, but I am counting my blessings that I am in better shape than most people my age. I look at most people my age and see how out of shape, fat and sick they actually are, some can hardly walk let alone run!! So, I am blessed to be in good health so I'm not going to complain :) As far as my running goes, I can still keep up with the best of them and I will continue to try no matter what my age is!!! I know I have slowed down but I think I have come to terms with it and I will continue to give it my all!!!!I have now entered the grand master group, which is a good thing, I guess :) Just another faze in my life and I welcome it :)

Now it's time to catch up on my training log.

Thrusday 9-30-10 11 miles at Mohican and core work afterwards.

Friday 10-1-10 Boot camp and 1.25 miles swim with a 300yd pull and 150 yd kick. No running. Keith and the Loudonville football team lost to Utica :( Not a good game for anyone :(

Saturday 10-2-10 The Big Birthday!! 11 miles at Mohican, 7 miles with Mark, my husband.

Sunday 10-3-10 Ran with Don B, Mark C, Rob P, Shannon F, Patrick F and Michelle B. It was a good 15 miler with good friends!

Monday 10-4-10 Starting to get cranky with this tapering :) Boot camp and 1.25 mile swim. No running.

Tuesday 10-5-10 8.75 miles on the road with ab work afterwards.

Working Out :)

The day started out at boot camp. We did all legs today such as lounges, jumps, squats, ect. My legs are still tired from the weekend so it was rather difficult!! Actually, I kind of felt sick after class, totally spent!!!! I started to wonder how I would be able to get in my miles on very tired legs??

After class, I went straight home to make sure Keith was up and getting ready for school. Mark has been down in Florida this week for buisness, so I wanted to make sure Keith didn't sleep in! LOL However, his girlfriend, Kate beat me to it and came over to wake him up!! Young love, I guess!!!

Headed to the trails around 8am. I decided I would run the xterra 11 miler course. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well my legs felt, if only my achillies was feeling better!! Other than a pit stop and a fall( I'm glad it rained yesterday to soften up the trails), the run was a good one!! Maybe it was the cool weather and the smell of Autumn in the air!! p.s. You can now legally cross the covered bridge on the walk way!!!

Since I haven't done any upper body wieghts in a week, I decided to lift after I was done running!! Stupid me!!! I probably won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow and I promised to taper!! LOL

A quick shout out to those who are running Grindstone 100 this weekend!! Good luck and my God be with you!!! I will be thinking about you all Michael P, Dave H, David P and Sandi N .

Backwards

I hate rainy days!! Today was no diferent, making me feel tired, sluggish and unmotivated!! My achillies was bothering me this morning so instead of running in the morning, I decided to do the swimming first. I swam 1.25 miles with 10x50yd sprints and 300yd pull.

When I got home, I iced my achillies and then went to get a much needed haircut!!

An hour after my haircut, I decided to hit the trails and test out the achillies. My legs are still tired from the 6 hr. run on Sunday but the achillies was feeling good until the end. I ran 7.5 miles on trails that needed the rain we got in the morning. At about mile 5 the good old achillies started to stiffen up but I don't think I made anything worse!

I really need to get this thing taken care of before Oil Creek. I think with my taper and plenty of ice, I should be in good shape :)

Kokosing Odyssey 6 hr. Run

Friday 9-24-10 boot camp, 8 mile run and 1.25 mile swim. Kyle came home in the afternoon for a haircut and Troy Lemke, my nephew, came to watch Keith play football and spend the night. Loudonville played Johnstown and lost 27-6. Keith had another good game but the boys just couldn't pull it together for a win. It was Homecoming with Mary Reinthal being crowned as queen!! Keith decided not to go to the dance the following night. I guess he saved some money but I wish he would have went for High School memories!!



Saturday 9-25-10 Met up with Michelle B, Kim B, Rob P and Lindsey B for a 15.5 mile run at Mohican. It was a good run with good friends!!



Sunday 9-26-10 I decided to run the Kokosing Odyssey 6 hr. run at Kenyon College. At the beginning of the week, I toyed with the idea of running the Akron marathon but saw the 6 hr. run was on Sunday. I would much rather run on the trails then the road :) I ran the Odyssey last year so I thought I would give it a shot again. The run started at 12pm and is run on a 5k loop on the trails. It's how many miles you can get done in six hours. Last year, I ran 34 miles so my goal was to run the same amount or more!! It is a very well organized and low key event so no stress, right? Once again, I started out way too fast and my achillies was bothering me. After about 9 miles, I settled into a 10-11 min. mile pace whichwas comfortable for awhile. On the 6th loop(18 miles) I started to feel the effect of the pace and slowed down some. Thanks goodness, I was be able to run with my good friend Mark Carroll, off and on throughout the race. He really helped me to keep going, weither he was infront of me or behind me!! Thanks, Mark! I came through the 50k mark at 5:05 which really surprised me, a pleasant surprise, I might add :) On lap number 11, I tried to push the pace as best I could on tired legs. I caught up with Mark and we finished last and final lap in 25 minutes!! 34 miles in 5:30!! A good day and I learned that I can still push myself even though I'm tired! That is something that I have seemed to have forgotten!! It will be nice to have that push again going into Oil Creek 100 in a couple of weeks!! Afterwards, my concern was the achillies. It was sore and swollen, but hopefully nothing that some ice and rest can cure :)
When I got home, Corey was home for the evening with his laundry. It was great to see him but I had to stay up late to do the laundry!! Not a good thing for a 4am start in the morning!!


Monday 9-27-10 Woke up at 4am for boot camp but was just too tired to go plus my achilies was sore :( I wimped out and went back to bed!! In the afternoon, I did manage to go for a 1.25 mile swim with a 45 yd pull just to loosen things up. I may take off from running again tomorrow depending on how the achillies feels. Not to worried because I am seriously going to taper for Oil Creek and it started today !!!!

Moody At Mohican

I have been in a real bad mood this week :( I have no idea why, but today was not any better!!

It was hard getting out of bed this morning and I just really didn't care if I made it out to run of not. Keith left for school and I laid back down for about an hr. before I struggled once again to get up! Stiff and sore from boot camp or WHATEVER, I forced myself to get on my running clothes. I knew it would be a warm one since it was already 9:30am, but I really didn't care!

Drove to the Covered Bridge at MO and started my trek on the trail to Hickory Ridge. Usually I feel better once I get going, but not today!! I almost hated it out there!! It just wasn't fun!! Plus, Mr. groundhog decided to scare me as he sat on the trail and refused to move!! I had to find my way through the weeds to avoid him, which caused me to get scatched up once again!! I was not a happy camper but I really didn't want to get chased by a rodent!!! Got to Hickory Ridge and turned around which for some reason made me come out of my funk :) On the way back to the CB, I started to feel more like myself and started to enjoy the run, other than the sweat that was soaking my body like it was the middle of the summer!! Some days you just don't have it and today, was one of those days!!!!

Trying To Recover

Sometimes it's such a struggle!!! Getting out of bed, running, working out, cleaning the house, cooking, shopping, finances and of course, worrying about the kids. I think, how can I go on, day after day?? I manage somehow, although this week has been a stuggle!!

The 50k last weekend, has taken it's toll on my body. Not the run itself but the fall that I took. My right leg, foot and ankle have been giving me trouble this week. It's swollen, bruised and cut, and giving me trouble in boot camp, running and even swimming. However, the good news, today the leg is much better :)

Probablly the big thing, is not taking a day off on Monday!! Yesterday, I was really stupid!! I ran 11 miles in the am at MO and then about 3 hrs later, I went back out and did another 5.5 miles! It totally exhausted me!! 16.5 total miles for the day.

Today, I drug my butt out of bed at 4am for boot camp. Afterwards, ran 8 miles and swam 1.25 miles with 12x25yd sprints and 450yd pull. I came home and tried to sleep but I think I was to tired to even do that. I had a very lazy day, doing nothing but watching mindless TV. I guess a day like that is ok every once in a while :)

YUT-C 50k

Friday before the race, no running, only boot camp, 2 hr. nap, and Keith's football game. Buy the way, they won in an OT, 20-14 against Danville. Keith scored the second touch down, his first varsity score!!!!!

Mark and I got up at 4:30am to get ready for the race, so we could leave around 5:00am, but of course we left late!! However, we got to the race site in Youngstown in plenty of time for my pre-race rituals. LOL I was really nervous for some reason. I think I set goals for myself and I really wanted to meet them. I felt better once I was there amoung my friends and fellow runners. The race started at 8am sharp after Bob Combs gave us race instruction. I had no idea what he was talking about when it came to the course instruction. I just prayed to God that I could follow someone throughout the race. It turned out, that the course was well marked! Thanks to Bob Combs and the volunteers for a well organized race!!

I set the pace alittle to fast in the beginning. I knew I was, but I was feeling good and I thought why not!! When Mark Carroll came up beside me around mile 10 and asked me what the hell I was doing, I thought, oh, no I am running to fast and a glance at my watch told me that I was running about 7:30 min. miles!! Way, way, too fast!!!!!

We had to run a figure eight, doing the top part twice and then the lower part twice. The course is very technical with rocks and roots throughout the entire course. After doing the top loop twice and running back to the start/finish, I was still feeling fairly good as I started the lower loop for the first time. That's when I fell!!! I fell hard!! Hard enough to shake me up and lose my focus!! Right after I fell, I heard someone else go down and there was Mark Carroll laying on the ground saying some choice words!! We walked for a few seconds before we started to jog. Mark picked up the pace and encouraged me to stay with him but I just couldn't. The fall threw me off and I kind of lost it!! I was bleeding from my right shin and my right ankle hurt. I lost my focus and drive and totally slowed down :( It took me about 5 miles to regroup and try to save the race. I was running in first place for the women and had no idea how far back the second woman was. My plan, just keep on running!! It worked and I was able to refocus . With one more time around the bottom loop, I started to feel better. The worst part about the bottom loop was the monkey hills. Up, down and around steep hills!! Once I got through that the last time, I was good to go and finished fairly strong!! 1st place woman, 10th overall, 5:19 Very please since I reached all my goals :)

My plan was to run the Mansfield Y half marathon on Sunday. However, when I woke up, I was so stiff and sore, not from running but the fall. The right side of my body was pretty beat up! Bruised and swollen ankle, shin, hip and elbow, not to mention the gash on my right shin!! I scratched the idea of the half and headed out on the trails. I got in 8 slow miles but I think it helped loosen me up!

Today, boot camp, 8.2 miles and 1.25 miles in the pool with 400yd pull. Still sore from the fall but it's not bad once I am loosened up. I guess when an old lady goes down, it takes a while to recover! LOL

A Quick Post

I only have a couple of minutes before we leave for Keith's football game at Danville. Best of luck, Keith and please boys stay safe!!

I have tried to taper this week, but I don't think I feel anymore rested than if I would have put in 90 miles for the week! However, with YUT-C 50k tomorrow, I will have alittle over 70 miles in for the week, so maybe it wasn't that great of a taper :) But, hey, I tried!!

Yesterday, I ran 10.5 miles on the trails after the rain went through and then swam a mile.

Today, I got up for boot camp, which wasn't very tough for a change (thank you, Chris), got Keith out the door for school and then went back to bed for about 2 hrs!! At least I can say I'm not sleepy :)

Tomorrow, I will run YUT-C 50k in Youngstown. I'm nervous because I would really like to have a good race for a change but I don't know if that will happen. I just can't compete with those youngins anymore. My goal is to win the masters age group and try to run between a 5:15-5:30 without killing myself!! I'll just have to see what unfolds during the race!!!

I don't have time right now to write on the subject of Kyle, who has been stuggling with his running :( More to come on that subject!!

Until the next time...................

Getting Some Rest :)

Finally, I think this tapering is starting to work!! With only two days of running so far this week, my legs and mind are feeling rested. The achillies is feeling goood and I even have energy to do things around the house!!!!

Boot camp was a killer this morning, but I felt strong and quick!! No running again, only a 1.25 mile swim. It will be interesting to see how my legs will feel tomorrow when I run. Tomorrow will be the last day of running before YUT-C, so I think I should be rested. I really have no race strategy for YUT-C, I'll just go on how I feel.

Sometimes the boys surprise me! Just when I think they pay no attention to me and all that I do, they say the most heart touching things. Tonight my youngest son, Keith, said "I hope that when I get older, I am as tough as you are, Mom!" It was great to hear and I am glad I can be a positive influence. Love you, Keith!!!

Going For It!!!!!!!

11 miles at Mohican this morning. I felt heavy, sluggish and stiff :( So much for the day off yesterday, I thought it was suppose to make me feel better! If it hadn't been for the beautiful Fall morning, I think I would have felt even worse! Thanks to the trail gods who have been out clearing the trails from last week's storm. There are a lot of trees are down that are blocking the trails.

The decision has been made for Oil Creek. I will be attempting my 3rd 100 miler this year. I have mixed emotions about it, but I really want to give it a try and complete one of these darn things!!!! I think I have the miles under my belt, I now have to learn how to rest my body so I don't go into the race fatigued. I think it will be hard for me to hold back but to complete the 100, I really need to try!!!

Stay tuned...............

Just More Running.......

It's time to catch up on my blog so I'll start with.....

Thrusday 9-9-10 Headed out to Mohican to run on the trails. It was such a fall day :) The leaves are starting to do their fall thing, weeds and grass are dying, the acorns and hickory nuts are falling off the trees and you have warm afternoons and cool evenings. When this all starts to happen, you know the year will be ending before long but it's such a beautiful time of the year and so enjoyable to be outside. I only wanted to run 10, maybe 15, but you all know me, and I ended up running 20 :) I, of course couldn't stop there, so I lifted weights when I got home!!

Friday 9-10-10 Boot camp at 5am, followed by a 7 mile run with 6x400 pickups which really hurt my achillies :( Stupid me, I should of known better! Swam 1.5 miles 10x50yd sprints, 450yd pull and 100yd kick. Keith and the Loudonville Redbirds lost to Hillsdale Friday night 40-27. Keith, personally had a good game, with 15 tackles and 4 carries for about 70 yds.

Saturday 9-11-10 I did another solo run at Mohican until about mile 7, when a horse and a rider joined me for the next 8 miles. We had great conversation and I learned alot about trail horses. 15.5 miles total for the day. The trails were a mess from Wednesday nights storm. It looked like a tornado went through on some parts. The trails being nearly blocked in some places but someone had been out clearing! Thank you!! Kyle and the OWU C-C team ran at Liberty Park, Saturday morning. Many runners struggled, as did Kyle. Kyle has been having knee issues and his foot bothers him from time to time! Hopefully, things will get better for him!!!

Sunday 9-12-10 Mark and I, headed down to Delaware State Park to meet up with some runners. Mark Carroll invited everyone down to run and then have cookout at his house. Mark C, Michael P, Dave, a friend of Michael's, Lisa F and myself run 20 while Mark L, Julie M, Luca B and Lindsey B ran 10. Julie's husband also ran a couple of miles, I think he's getting the bug !!!! Afterwards, Mark and I went to Kyle's house to shower and then we headed up to Mark C house for the BIG PARTY!!!!. Mark's house was on the route of a local 5k and the Little Brown Jug Horse parade. Many were there like Lisa F, Nick L, Tom P and his wife, Luca B and his wife, Casey and family and many more! We cheered on Stephen Z and Michael P( who just got done running 20 miles with us ) to a 1st and 2nd finish. Also getting our support was Shannon F and Leigh Z! Good job to all!! Thanks, Mark for the wonderful time!!

Today, Monday 9-13-10 Boot camp and 1.25 mile swim with 1x25yd, 1x50yd,1x75yd and 2x100yd and then back down. I decided not to run inorder to give my achillies a rest plus I am going to do a slight taper for YUT-C 50k this weekend.

Like I said, just more running.....................

Hocking Hills

First thing is first. Today at 12pm, my dear husband sat at the computer for me because his typing skills are much faster than mine, and got me into Umstead 100. I think it was like 7 minutes after registration opened so his typing skills payed off for me :) Thanks so much, HONEY!!!!! I'm super excited, plus Michael P, David H and Lindsey B also got in, so I am sure we will have many long runs together this winter!!

On Monday, which was Labor Day, Mark and I got up at 4:30am to make the 2+ hour drive down to Hocking Hills for a FA. Michael Patton and family put on a FA run consisting of a full marathon or a half. I was excited to run somewhere new and run with great people! I think about 30 runners showed up and after Michael's explaination of the course, we all started out! At the start, we were a little chilly but within a mile things started to warm up. What a beautiful place to run!! There was all kind of terrain that included rocks, cliffs, falls, bridges and of course the usual sticks and roots, which Star and Heather found out can be dangerous. Both took a spill that brought some blood! As the saying goes, you aren't a real trail runner until you fall and bring blood!! The trails were also very dry and dusty! We were covered with dust and dirt when we were done, which turned to mud on our sweaty legs! I was never so glad to get home and take a shower!!

Anyway, the day went every well for me except for the nagging pain in my right achillies. I spent most of the day running with Darris, Darrin, Star, Michael, David, Stephen, Jay and a couple of guys that I didn't know, plus low and behold, my dear husband, who ran the half, had a real good run and was able to keep up through most of the half. It was nice that Mark and Steve's wife, Leigh were able to run together and keep each other going!! We ended up running somewhere around 28-29 miles.

A special thanks goes out to Michael and his family. Michael and his dad, Tom marked the course the day before and Jen and Michael's mom headed up the aid stations with tasty treats! Star named Jen "Queen Jen" for being out there all day at the aid stations!! Thanks so much Pattons for putting on such a great FA!!!!!

Yesterday, Tuesday 9-7, I woke up with my right achillies swollen and achy :( I was bound and determined to go for a run so after I was up and walking a bit, I finally got out to the trails around 9:30am. I knew the run would be slow mainly because of the miles the day before. I was sluggish, tired and worried about the stupid achillies so things just didn't go well :( To top it all off, I fell!! No blood but I do have a pretty good size scrap and bruise on my right hip! The only good part, was seeing Don Baun and stopping and chatting for a minute or two :)

On to today. Boot camp, 8.6 slow miles and 1.25 miles in the pool with 10x50yd sprints and 500yd pull. My achillies did feel better today after icing it twice yesterday :) I guess, I need to do that again! Until the next time.................

Rest

Believe it or not, I took a day of rest!!!!!! The only thing I did today, other than eat and eat and eat, was a trip in a kayak down the Blackfork river with Mark!!!!!!

Catch-Up

Thrusday 9-2-10 Ran 8.5 on the trails in the am, lifted weights, ab work and ran 5.5 on the trails in the pm with Don Baun and Mark Lemke. Total of 14 miles

Friday 9-3-10 Boot camp, ran 6.5 miles, 2.5 miles on the stair climber at the Y,1.25 mile swim that included 450yd pull. Keith and the Loudonville Redbirds lost to Crestview 27-0. Keith had a good game on defense and one interception.

Saturday 9-4-10 20 miles at MO with David Huss and Stephen Zeildner, the last 10 miles Mark L joined us.

Total for the week - 84 miles

A Ho Hum Day

Nothing special happened today. I guess that is a good thing!! I got up at 4am for my 5am boot camp class. Ran 8 miles and swam 1.25 miles. I actually felt pretty good working out, but by the time I got home, I was ready for a nap! Slept for about an hour, did laundry, went to the grocery store and then went to pick up our dog at the groomer. Poor dog, he's so old, can't hear or see, and has bad skin allergies that makes him lick sore spots on his body. Rather disguisting!!!!! We have to put a halo collar on him so he won't lick his skin. Love the dog but sometimes he is alot of work :)

Struggles

We all have struggles in our lives. Some are far worse than others and I think we all learn from them wether it's good or bad. As I'm running down the trail today, I thought of my family and our struggles. We have never had any life threatening struggles( thank you God) but none the less we have had struggles that have tested us in every aspect of our lives. I am thinking about life's struggles after a conversation with my middle son, Kyle. He runs cross country and track for OWU and has been struggling alittle with his motivation. Ever since he broke his foot last spring, he has been trying to play catch up on his miles and I think it is starting to get the best of him. He is not a distance guy but more of a 800m on down, sort of runner. Distance running does not come easy for him and he has to work harder than most when it comes to long runs. He is in their top 7 runners but it's not easy for him. Right now, he is struggling with the miles which causes him to get injured. If he has a good cross season he usually ends up injured for track or visa versa. Thank goodness he has a good coaching staff that is helping him through this. They have decided less miles and more intensity will be better for him. Time will tell!!

My oldest son, Coery, has been struggling with what to do with his life. He is an in the box kind of guy and does not do well with change. There has been alot of change in his life lately. Work, coaching, his girlfriend leaving for college, applying to grad school, and being on his own for the first time. Many struggles to get through, that only he can do!!

Then, we have Keith, the youngest, who is learning alot watching his brothers go through their struggles. High school, football and girls are about the only things he has to worry about at this point in his life!
As a mother, I wish I could carry the burden on my shoulders for the boys, but I know that they have to figure it out on their own and do it themselves. All I can do is try to guide and pray for them and most importantly, be there to listen and support them.

Now on to my struggles with running. It has been a rough summer for me. Two DNF's in 100 milers have put a big damper on me both mentally and physically. I think I have just beat myself up with the long miles and cross training. Age is starting to creep up on me, which means I can feel all the aches and pains and the process of my body slowing down. I am trying to accept it, move on and work with what God has given me! Not being as fast as I use to be, is a very BIG struggle!! I am trying to readjust my goals and move on. I need to learn from the mistakes I have made this summer so not to repeat those dreaded DNF's. The last couple of weeks, I have been feeling better and am starting to get excited about the fall racing season. All I can do is try and hopefully I'll get over this hump!! Thanks to all my trail buddies, who make my runs more enjoyable!! I need all of you to keep me motivated!!

Yesterday(Monday), I had boot camp class, ran 6.2 miles, 20 min. on the stair climber and 1 mile swim with 10x25yd sprints and 300yd pull.
Today(Tuesday), I ran 11.5 miles at Mohican and did some ab work. I was very proud on myself because I really wanted to lift weight and go for a swim, but I DIDN'T!! I guess I'm trying to cut down! LOL

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I'll start with Friday's events. First, it was Kyle's 21st Birthday!! Good because he has made it this far and has turned into a fine, young man but bad because he is now legal and can buy alcohol :( I no longer have control and I probably never did!! LOL Bad, because Kyle turning 21 definitly makes me feel old!! On Friday morning, I had a great boot camp workout, fast and hard and a great 1.25 mile swim. However, my run was bad and ugly! After a tough boot camp workout, I just couldn't get into a groove on my run and felt and I'm sure looked terrible!! On to Friday night football! Keith and the Loudonville Redbirds took a disappointing loss in the last 15 seconds of the game, losing by one point 28-27. Keith had a good game with some tackles and carries but it just slipped through their fingers!! Next week they willl get another try against Crestview. Also on Friday evening, Corey and his girlfriend, Lauren came home for the game, which means we had a bunch of 22+ year old's hanging at the house! Never a dull moment at the Lemke's, which is a good thing, I guess :)

On to Saturday, started a run at MO at 6am with a great group of people, Star B, Michelle B, Lindsey B, Mark C, Dave H, Steve Z, Rob P, and Jay S. We got in 20 miles and I felt good for the entire run. For me, not a real fast run but certainly not a slow one! Lauren left in the afternoon for Marietta College and Corey left in the evening for a night with friends. Keith was sore and tired from the football game and still disappointed but you learn from your mistakes!

Sunday morning, met with Michelle B, Rob P and Mark L for another run at Mohican. We started at the bridle staging area and Rob took us on a short cut through the red/green loop. Rob and Michelle ran 8, Mark ran 11 and I got in 18. Another good run but it started heating up again by the time I was done. Then this evening, we went down to OWU to take out Kyle for his Birthday. We took down my mom and dad,and Keith and his girlfriend , Kate. We took Kyle some food stuff , cake and ate at Bob Evans. Kyle was not in the best of moods because his knee has been bothering him and slowing him down on his runs, not a good thing. I'll say lots of prayer and keep my fingers crossed that everything will be ok!!

So the weekend turned out with alot of good, some bad and alittle ugly :)

A Nice Cool Down

The last couple of days have been so pleasant! No more humidity, just sun and a nice cool breeze! I love the hint of fall in the air, it seems to make life alittle better!! With fall right around the corner, I look forward to the fall racing season for myself, C-C season for Kyle and football for Keith and this year, Corey will be taking on a new role on the football field, as a coach at South Canton!! It's almost like a fresh and exciting start of the year!!

Yesterday, I had boot camp at 5am and then come home to see Keith off on his first day of HS as a junior. I know he is a little old for good old mom to be there helping him get things ready, but I just needed to be there for ME!! LOL After he left for school, I ran 8.5 miles on the road and did some weight lifting. After Keith got home from school and football practice, he reported that school was stupid and his classes would be somewhat hard. Time to buckle down, my sweet Keith!!!!

Today, once again, I woke up sore from boot camp and my right achillies was bother me. I decided it would be better to run on the trails where it would be softer. Got in 8.5 miles at MO along the river to the CB and back. After running for a couple of miles, everything seemed to loosen up, thank God!!! In a couple of hours, I will head out to Malabar Farm and run with the Mansfield Y run club. Hopefully, we will run around 7 miles so I can get in a total of 15 miles for the day. Probably way too much but it's what I love to do!! Also this everning, Corey will begin his coaching career, as South Canton will be playing their first game of the season. Corey will be calling plays for the offense. Good Luck!!

OH, MY !!!

When I woke up this morning, my body was so sore, I could hardly get out of bed!! With the combination of a half marathon, a 20 miler, boot camp, 6.2 mile run and a 1 mile swim, which I haven't swam in about 10 days, all in three days, finally caught up to me! My poor body was rebelling and the thought of taking a day off was very appealing. After I was up for about a 1/2 hr. and 15 min. in the hot tub, I decided a run was in order. I stayed on the roads and told myself the run could be a slow as I wanted. I started out with 9 min miles but the longer I ran the better I felt. For all of you who know me, that meant I could and would run longer! Ended up with 10.5 miles and running about 7:50 min miles at the end. For feeling so bad when I first got up, I'm pretty satisfied with the outcome :) Did some core work after my run and took a refreshing ice bath!!
Boot camp time has changed from 6am to 5am starting tomorrow ;( That means I need to get up at 4am and should try to be in bed by 10pm. I got to bed early last night and I think that really helped my run today! We shall see??

Tomorrow, Keith, my youngest, starts his Jr. yr. at Loudonville HS. Good luck to him and his teachers!!!

Nothing Much

Just another Monday!! Got up at 5 am and left the house at 5:30am for boot camp. After class I ran an easy 6.25. I guess you can call it a recovery run. My right calf is really bothering me since the half marathon but I think it will work itself out eventually! The pool at the Y is finally open again due to draining and cleaning, so I swam a mile. I had to hurry home to do laundry. Corey came home yesterday and stayed the night, so of course, he brought his laundry. For some weird reason, I love to do laundry!! Corey left at 3pm for work and Keith went to football practice so I took a quick nap and now I guess it's time to tackle the bathrooms. Wednesday, Keith will start his Jr year in high school and boot camp will be moved up to 5am. Hopefully, I can start getting to bed earier because 4am will come mighty early!!!! On my way to the Y, there is a church that I go by that always has a saying on a sign in it's front yard. Today's saying, take time to do something silly everyday. I need to start trying that!!!!!

A Good One

It seems like for every bad run I have, I bounce back and have a good one!! After yesterday's half marathon, inwhich I felt and did terrible, today was such a good run with great company. After thinking awhile about the half, I realized that I wasn't trained for it, did not taper and had 70+ miles in for the week before I even started the race. So, I guess I didn't do too bad!! I meet up with Luca B, Sharon S, Nick L, Michelle B, Julie M, Tom P and Nick,(a friend of Luca) for a run at MO at 7:30 this morning. We got in 20 miles, running the red/green loop. It was a great day with great friends!! Thanks, everyone :)

Good Luck to Kyle as he starts his Junior Year at OWU!!

Week of Aug.15-21, 2010 Too Many???

Probably way to many miles this week, maybe that's why I did absolutely horrid in the half marathon today. I need to cut some things in my training out, but what, I don't know! ? My running has been really terrible this year and it's a major struggle, every step of the way. I need to run quality and not quanity and the boot camp at this point, hasn't really help much. I am old school, with the thought, that the more miles the better. My OCD kicks in and I can't stop myself from doing more and more!! If anyone out there can give me some advise, thanks!!

Sunday - 24 miles at MO with Kim Love

Monday - boot camp, 8.2 miles on the road and 1.25 miles walking on the treadmill at 15% incline

Tuesday - 11 miles on the trails at MO and did my benching

Wednesday - boot camp, 8.5 miles on the war, and 1.25 walking on the treadmill at 15% incline

Thrusday - 6.5 miles on the trails in the am and 6.5 miles on the trails in the pm with the Mansfield Y run club

Friday - boot camp and 8 miles on the trails at Malabar Farm

Saturday - 1/2 marathon in Wooster, Buehler's Heart and Sole Community walk/run, felt terrible and ran terrible, 6th woman and 1st master female, 1:39.21, with warm-up and warm-down, 17 miles

Total of the week - 90 miles