4-EVER RUNNING

The Boys

2011-09-26T18:38:00.001-07:00

My Three Sons!!!!!!! Kyle, Corey and Keith after Keith's victory over Danville. My how they have grown up!!!!!!!! Soooo PROUD :)

Life

2011-09-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, life can be down right brutal!!!!

I takes a hard fall to wake you up!!!!!!!

Tapering

2011-05-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

I hate tapering but I know I have to do it in order to be successful at these 100 mile races!!! I always feel fat, antsy, sluggish and irritable :( Necessary but not fun!!!!!

Today was a complete day of rest!!! I did a lot of housework and of course, a lot of puppy play!! Kyle came home with tons of laundry and will be home for a week. He will be training some people at OWU for the summer and is looking for another part time job in Delaware. A very ambious boy, I must say!!!! Keith will be running in their conference meet tomorrow but is still having some hamstring issues. What he will be running is still undetermined!! Good luck to Keith and the Loudonville team!!!

4 days and counting.................................

Our New Addition

2011-05-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday evening turned into quite an evening of turmoil, or maybe I should say excitement or disbelief!!! I was downstairs and I heard Mark say"oh, no, Terri, come upstairs and look out the door." There in our yard was Keith, his girlfriend, Kate and a little puppy!!! Kate works with a friend that had a dog with pups and of course, they thought that we needed one!! At the time, I thought it would be fun to have something young and playful at the house but didn't think twice about it until I saw the puppy in the yard!!

He's a cute little thing and he is VERY playful!!!! He is a mutt, part jack russell, english bulldog and terrier. I haven't got much done around the house the last couple of days except play with the pup, that we have named MO!! Quite fitting, don't you think :) Good thing I am tapering for MMT and have time to fuss with the little thing!!!!

Tapering is going well for MMT and my legs feel good except for the right achillies which is not happy at times!! I think with only a couple of days of running this week it should be good to go!!!

Thursday 5-5-11 8.5 miles on the road, very easy :) Lifted weights Kyle came home for the afternoon to buy his girlfriend a graduation gift. She will be graduating from OWU on Sunday! A little bittersweet!! Kyle is done with finals and is now a Sr. at OWU. Hard to believe!!!

Friday 5-6-11 Day Off!!!! It was puppy duty all day :) Keith had a meet but didn't run due to his back and hamstring!! Hopefully, he will be ready for the conference meet on Tuesday.

Saturday 5-7-11 11 miles on the trails and core work!! Went to Oberlin College to watch Kyle run in the finals of the 800 at the NCAC Conference meet. He had a great race with a time of 1:57 for 8th place!!!

Sunday 5-8-11 5.5 miles on the trails I was going to meet some runners at MO that were going to run long but decided I didn't want to get caught up in the excitement and run any more than 5 so I ran early and by myself. It was a peaceful run and I am(at this point) at ease with running MMT!! I think I'm ready!!!

5 days and counting.............

Cross Training

2011-05-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

I did my last session of cross training today before MMT. 10 days and counting!!! The nerves are really starting to set in!!!

6 miles on the road and the longer I ran, the better I felt :) Had a great swim, 1.25 miles, and it was one of those days that I could have swam forever!!! 45 min. spin class and held myself back so I wouldn't have to crawl off the bike, like I normally do :) Things are finally falling into place and my body seems to be rested with still one more week to go!!! Fingers crossed that things continue to go my way!!!!!

As I am typing here on my blog, I have received a BIG surprise!!!!!!! Keith and his girlfriend, Kate, have brought me a present!!!!! The story will continue tomorrow........................................

Cold, Rain = Treadmill

2011-05-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the sound of pouring rain!! UGH!!!! So, I waited and waited until about 11am and then decided to run on the stupid treadmill!

Did a 6.5 mile run that included 3 x half mile walks on the highest incline, all under 15 min pace. I ended with a half mile walk at 0 incline at 13 min pace. It was a lot harder than I thought but I needed it!!!!

Lifted weights and felt good doing it for a change :) I think resting a little is starting to pay off :)

Nerves are starting to set in for MMT 100!!!!! It will be, what it will be!! I just have to keep my head straight!!!!

Where Did The Week Go ???????

2011-05-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Man, last week just flew by!!!!!!! Nothing really new at this end!!!! I started to taper for MMT 100 and of course, all the little aches and pains are coming out :( I always feels so fat and sluggish when I'm in taper mode!!! Hopefully, it will be worth it in the end!! All three boys got their new cars this week :) To be young and riding in style, must be nice!! They all were so excited to show off alittle!!!

Sunday 4-24-11 Day off :)

Monday 4-25-11 6 miles on the road, 1.25 miles in the pool with 450yd pull, 45 min. spin class

Tuesday 4-26-11 8.5 miles on the road and lifted weights

Wednesday 4-27-11 6 miles on the road, 1.25 mile swim that included pulling and kicking and 45 min. spin class

Thursday 4-28-11 8.5 miles on the trails and lifted weights. The boys got their cars :)

Friday 4-29-11 9 miles on the trails and lifted weights. I didn't spin or swim because I think at this point, it is tiring my legs out way too much!!!!

Saturday 4-30-11 15 15 miles on the trails and did some ab work. I walked into the kitchen after running errands in town and there sat Kyle and his girlfriend, Megan in the kitchen!! What a great surprise!! They even stayed the night :) Good luck to them with their finals this week!!

Sunday 5-1-11 16 miles on the trails with Michelle Bichsel, Eric Huff, Joe Crawford and Seth Chin-Parker. Joe's wife, Dawn met up with us for some miles :) Really a good run and I was able to talk with Joe about MMT, since he will be pacing me!! Thanks, Joe!!! Also, it was my mom and sister's birthday, so we all got together for lunch!!

Monday 5-2-11(today) Day off :) Keith and I drove to Marion to see our neuromuscular therapist!! Keith has been having trouble with his back and hamstring. As for me, I need adjusted and of course, he twisted and stretched me until I screamed!!!!!! My whole body is just one big mess!!lol

Easter

2011-04-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter, everyone!! I know it's a day late but I just didn't have time yesterday to post anything. Spent the day with both families and had a nice time!! I gave the boys and two of the girlfriends Easter baskets like usual plus a couple articles of new clothes. I always spend way too much money on things like this but I love to see the happiness in the kids faces :) I even gave myself an Easter present, a day of rest!!

The big surprise of the day is when we went to Marion to see Mark's parents. They gave the best Easter gift to the boys, a new car for each!!!!! Brand new 2011 Toyota Corollas, totally loaded!!!!! They got to pick any color they wanted and the cars will be delivered this week!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!

Today was another dreary day!!!!! Rain, rain please go away!!!!! Ran 6 miles on the road and struggled through the whole thing :( I really need to keep the miles down and get my legs recovered for MMT!! Mentally, I am more than ready, I just need to rest the old legs!!!!! Getting Pumped!!! I also found a pacer :) Joe Crawford from Lucus, will be helping me through the last 35 miles. I hope he can handle a crying old woman!!!!!

Anyway, after my rain, soaked run, I went to the Y and swam 1.25 miles with 450yd pull. Then it was off to spin class for 45 min.. Sure was a hot one in our spin room!!!!! Great training!!!!!!

Missed Messages

2011-04-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

The plan for today was to run the Tye-Dye 50k down by Yellowsprings, OH. I was to meet some running friends at Polaris in the early morning. By last night I still hadn't heard what time we were meeting. After trying to get a hold of them, I became frustrated and a bit disappointed. I could drive down by myself but I didn't want to make a two and a half hour drive at 3 am all by my lonesome :( Soooo, I ended not going :( I found out later that I was sent e-mails but for some reason I didn't recieve them!! That's just the way it goes sometimes!!!! I guess there is a reason for everything or maybe I just wasn't suppose to run a 50k!!!!!

Determined to get miles in, I set out about 9:15 am at MO and made my own 50k!!!!! Well, actually it was only 30 miles but it was close enough :) I loved the weather and was drenched in sweat within an hour!!! Very warm!!!!!! Once again, like last week, with 5 miles to go the wheels fell off and I struggled :( Ran it in 7 hrs which is a great training for my up coming 100!!

Three weeks until Massanutten 100!!!!! Time to taper..................................

Not Enough Time

2011-04-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

This week has just flown by!!!! I have been busy going here and there, getting things ready for Easter and of course, trying to recover from the PR 50k last weekend :)

Sunday April 17, 2011 The Forget The PR 50k took place at 7:30am at Mohican Adventures on the beautiful but tough trails of Mohican!! The course consisted to two loops that included Big Ass hill, North Rim hill and a river crossing, two times!! I knew the course and decided to run smart for a change!!!! The first loop easy and the second loop alittle faster!! It played out pretty good for me until the last 5 miles, where I totally fell apart, I think mainly do to tired legs from Umstead 100 two weeks prior. Plus, there was the fall in the mud!!!!!! 2nd place woman, 18th overall, with a time of 5:44. A special thanks to Suneel Apte and Steve Hannahs, two friends that kept me going!! Also, thanks to Rob Powell for putting on such a great race and to all the volunteers!!!

Monday April 18, 2011 A total day off :) Stiff and sore!!! Holy Crap,I got into MMT 100 :) I WILL finish this year!!!!!!!!

Tuesday April 19, 2011 1.5 mile swim that included 450yd pull. Lifted weights. Right calf muscle extremely sore :(

Wednesday April 20, 2011 5 miles on the road very easy, 1.25 mile swim that included 400yd pull, 45 min. spin class

Thursday April 21, 2011 6 miles on the road, once again very easy!! Lifted weights. Legs are still tired but not sore :)

Friday April 22, 2011 6 miles road, lifted weights and swam 1 mile. Tomorrow I plan on running the Tye Dye 50k but only as a training run!!!

Legs don't fail me now..................................

Just Random Things

2011-04-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Kyle with his professor and President of OWU

It's been a busy week but I can't really tell you what I have been doing!! Just Stuff, I guess!!! It's been a recovery/taper week but my legs are still a little sluggish from the 100, two weeks ago. I have only ran three times this week with a couple of swims and spin classes. The PR 50k is Sunday, which should prove to be very interesting for me. I would like to run a good race but I'm not sure I will be able. My plan is to take the first half easy and then try to pick it up from there. I'll just go on how I feel!! Maybe this race will be just for fun and survival!!!! MMT 100 has also been on my mind. I am #4 on the wait list so I guess I'm pretty much in!! Now it's time to find a pacer and prepare myself mentally and not over do it physically!!

Wednesday 4-13-11 1 mile swim and spin class. Very sore from lifting on Tuesday

Thursday 4-14-11 8.5 miles on the trails with beautiful sunshine and warmth! Lifted weights and really struggled with the usual weights so a lot of my lifts had to be lighter. Just like starting over. Keith ran in the Loudonville Invit. and his times are improving :) He ran a 11.5 in the 100 and 56 in the 400. Not were he wants to be but improving!! Kyle attented, with Mark, the banquet at OWU, honoring the top 50 scholar-athletes of the year!! Very proud :)

Friday 4-15-11 1.25 mile swim with a 400yd pull and spin class. Today, I'm having a hard time dealing with the fact that Kyle told us he probably won't run next year. He will have a lot on his plate next year with harder classes, serving as the president for the senior class and working. It's just something I will have to deal with and hope he doesn't regret it later in life :(

Tomorrow, Saturday 4-16-11 Day of rest. I may go help at the PR or go watch Kyle run at the All-Ohio. Maybe both.

Life goes on...........

Umstead 100 And Beyond

2011-04-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

The first picture is the Ohio women at Umstead - Lindsey, Star, Me, Kathy and Julie

The second picture is the entire Ohio Gang

The third picture - Not sure how it ended up on here - Keith running the 400m in his first meet of the season

I'm finally getting around to writing about Umstead. It's not going to be much, just a little recap. It has taken about a week to get over the sting of the race!! I'm disappointed in myself, not with the time but on how I ran the race. I will never learn!! Always too fast in the beginning and too slow at the end!! Stupid me!!! It was taken a few kind words from a couple of my running friends to finally get me out of my funk and enjoy my accomplishment!!!

The first 65 miles were great and on taget for a 20 hour finish!! I thought I was eating good and running easy, other than my achillies giving me some trouble, I was having a good day, or so I thought :) Then the achy legs that won't run anymore and the upset stomach that causes you to stop way to often to throw up began!!!! The last 24 miles are miles that I would rather forget, as I could barely shuffle along!! Don't get me wrong!! I am pleased with a 2 hr and 4 min PR, finishing the race in 21:58, proud of that accomplishment!! I just need to be smarter and be more patient for the next one!! Number 18 on the wait list for MMT 100!! Bring it on BABY!!!!!!

Recovery has been going well and yes I'm probably doing too much but I HAVE backed off of the running!!

Monday 4-4-11 Nothing - Recovering still from the upset stomach

Tuesday 4-5-11 1 mile swim that included 350yd pull and 100yd kick, Legs actually feeling pretty good but the big toe on my right foot has a bad blister under the nail that is painful!!

Wednesday 4-6-11 3/4 mile swim and 45 min spin class. I just rode easy and got my legs moving :)

Thrusday 4-7-11 5 mile run on the trails. Not a good run :( The body still feels depleted and I have no energy!!

Friday 4-8-11 1.25 mile swim that included 450yd pull and 45 min spin class. Legs are feeling normal!!

Saturday 4-9-11 6 miles at MO. Ran along the river and back. Legs are feeling good :)

Sunday 4-10-11 Forget The PR directors race. Ran 20 miles and at about mile 15 my legs were shot!!!

Monday 4-11-11 1 mile swim and spin class

Today, Tuesday 4-12-11 7 miles on the trail and lifted weights. All I can say is, I will be very sore in the morning from not lifting in about three weeks :))

Umstead Week

2011-03-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday 3-27-11 Volunteered at the Fools 25k and 50k race. It was nice to be on the other side of things for a change!! It was exactly what I needed going into Umstead :) No running for me that day!!

Monday 3-28-11 10.5 miles on the x-terra course at MO!! Did abs and push-ups

Tuesday 3-29-11 6.5 miles at MO. More abs and push-ups. Keith had his first track meet of the season. 2nd in the 4x1oo and 4x400 and 3rd in the open 400 with a time of 57. He was not happy at all but it's early!!

Wednesday 3-30-11 Nothing - Starting to get nervous and doubt myself :(

Thursday 3-31-11 5 miles on the road. We will be leaving for NC this evening. Everything is packed and I guess I'm ready!! Kyle won the the class election at OWU and is now the Senior President for next year!! WOW!! He will be running in Virginia this weekend. Keith will be running at the Newcomerstown Relays on Friday. Good luck to both!!

This is it until after Umstead!! May God look over me and all the other runners!! Let the force be with me..........

Keeping Busy Through My Taper

2011-03-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

Last night Keith had some of his friends over to watch the OSU game!! Believe it or not the house was all in one piece after they left!!

I ran 11 miles this morning on the trails at Mohican. I did the x-terra course which included what we call the "big ass hill"!! If you have not gone up the hill before and are running the PR race, beware!!!! It was a cold but sunny morning and such a beautiful one at that!! I think I could have stayed out there all day!!

Kyle, his girlfriend , Megan and a friend of his, Ben came for lunch this afternoon!! They didn't stay long but it was good to see everyone :) Kyle was to run at Oberlin today, but it was canceled due to cold weather. I don't think he was too disappointed!!

Good luck to everyone running the Fools race tomorrow. I will be volunteering and freezing to death. I will be wearing my snow pants and parka :)

6 days and counting for Umstead.....................

My World

2011-03-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

5.5 miles on the trails at Mohican!!!

Mohican is kind of my own little world and I love it!!

Enough said.....................................

What It Is All About

2011-03-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

I ran this morning with Haley Young, a friend of mine that is on spring break from Otterbein College. She is quite younger than I am, but throughout the last four years we have become good running buddies!! I would help her along during her high school years of running and then watch her race.

Haley is what running is all about!!! She is not always on the top but she is a good, dedicated, hard worker type of runner. She might not know this, but she has taught this old dog new tricks!!! Haley runs because she loves it and loves the way it makes her feel. Running has given her many good friends and has taken her too many different places. I look at Haley and she reminds me of why I run!!!! It's not about the glory but about love and feelings!!! Thanks for reminding me of these things, Haley!!! Good luck to you in your upcoming track season!! Do what you always do, your best :)

I ended up running 9 miles on the road, 4 miles with Haley. The tapering is working!!!!! I felt wonderful today!!! Light and springy!!!! Not dead tired and no aches and pains :) I also did a short lift which was awesome!!!

Finally, things are looking up!!!! I'm starting to feel ready for Umstead....................................

Cross-Training

2011-03-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

No running again, today!!

I think I'm starting to like this sleeping in thing and not being so exhausted all the time :) Alot of things that normally don't get done and getting done!!!!

Headed out of the house around 10:15 am for the pool. Forced myself to only swim 1 mile!! Then on to spinning class. Once again, it was very hot in the room that we spin in :( I was dripping wet before we even started. It was a good class but I tried not to over do it, just enough to get the heart pumping!!!

Good news for the day. Kyle, my middle boy, who runs for OWU, has been selected for the second year in a row, for the top 50 Scholar Athletes at OWU!! So proud of him!!!!

Still counting the days till Umstead 100!! 10 days left :)

Down By The River

2011-03-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Nothing new!!!

An 8.5 mile run on the trails at Mohican. I Ran down by the river to the Covered Bridge and back. The river is down and the trail is in good shape with only a few trees down to get in your way. Felt a little sluggish at first but better as the miles click away!!

Had a short weight lifting session after my run!!

For now, all seems to be good :)

Easy Does It

2011-03-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday 3-19-11 5.5 miles on the trails and lifted. Kyle placed 1st in the 800m for the OWU track team!!! 2:01 and backed way down at the end. I pray to God that he has a good outdoor season!!!!

Sunday 3-20-11 Buzzard Day 50k FA at Hinkley Metro parks. We ran an 8 mile loop as many times as you wanted. I only did 16 miles!! I'm being a good girl on tapering for Umstead!! It was nice to run somewhere different and to be able to run with good friends. Thanks to Roy Hegar and Shannon Fisher for putting on the evernt!!

Monday 3-21-11 Day Off - Nothing!!!!!! House work and baked cookies :)

Nerves are starting to set in for Umstead!!! I'm starting to second guess everything, from my training, to shoes, to the clothes I should take!!!! 12 Days!!!

One Of Those Days.....................

2011-03-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

We all have one of those days when things are just not quite right!!

Well, today, that was me!! Nothing really went wrong and everybody is fine and healthy but it just was a struggle all day long!!!!

It started last night by having trouble sleeping and then waking up tired!! I forced myself to get up around 7am so I could get my run in before Keith had to leave for school. I got a quick 5 miles in on the road at a fairly quick pace. I forgot to look at my watch so I have no idea how fast but then it really doesn't matter. Did some core work and then pushed Keith out the door!!

I should feel better than this with the sun and warm weather but I was tired, unmotivated and sluggish!! Plus, I had no appetite and my stomach was a little upset!! To tell you the truth, I think a lot of it has to do with the PMS/pre-menopause issue!! I guess it is just something women have to live with as we get old!!! All I can say on the subject is, I'm glad I'm in good shape or it might be alot worse!!

Made it to the Y and into the pool!! Swam 1.25 miles with 450yd pull but it felt like I was swimming in thick mud!! Slow and Sluggish!!!

On to the bike!! A 45 min. spin class in a room that felt like a sauna was not fun!! The class was not a difficult one and I didn't ride hard but it was very, very warm to the point I felt like I was going to pass out!!! I guess the Y doesn't know how to adjust the heat when it get's warm outside!! I think I lost every drop of water in my body!!!

If I didn't feel good before spin class, I felt even worse after!! Went to Wal-Mart and wondered around in a fog picking up things I needed and didn't need!!! Came home and flopped on the bed for the rest of the evening with pizza for super!!!!

It was just one of those days.............

p.s. Good luck to Kyle, who will be running at Muskingum for their first outdoor meet of the season!! Go Battling Bishops!!!!!!

Spring With Some Extra Sleep

2011-03-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day!!! A great day to be out on the trails at Mohican!!!

All week, Keith has been able to sleep in and not go to school until 10am( a two hour delay). The freshman and sophmores are taking the OGT so the juniors and seniors get to sleep in!! Keith has been fighting a cold all week so it has been nice for him to get some extra sleep!!

It has also been nice for ME to get some extra sleep, since I have started my tapering for Umstead. I was out on the trails at about 10:30am for a nice, easy 6.5 mile run. There was a chill to the air but it sure felt like spring!! The sun was out, the birds were chirpping and the smell of newness and freshness was in the air!! You gotta love it!! After my run, I lifted and then, I was done for the day!!!

Since the tapering has started this week, I have noticed that I have been very tired and unmotivated :( I have come to the conclusion that my body is just trying to relax and rest it's self after the heavy miles that I have put in in the last couple of months. It seems like all I want to do is eat, lay around and become a couch potatoe!! I'm trying not to freak out about it but instead I'm trying to embrace it and enjoy!!!!! Wish me luck :)

We had some really good news on the track today!! Keith had a time trial and ran a 54.8 in the 400!! I'm very excited for him and he seems to be on cloud nine!! This is where he left off last year so hopefully in a week and a half he'll be ready to go for his first meet!! He is much stronger and is getting older so with a little more conditioning, he will hopefully have a good season!!!

Not In My Vocabulary

2011-03-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

The words such as rest, easy and relax are words that I understand but have a hard time following. I know how important these words are to us ultrarunners, especially before a race, but I find myself believing that they apply to others and not myself!!

It's one thing to taper a couple of days for a 5K and quite other thing to taper 3 weeks for a 100 miler!!

In college, our cross-country coach, the famous Sid Sink, who ran with Dave Wottle, pounded it in our heads that more is better!! Two-a-days everyday, even on meet days, PUSH, PUSH, PUSH with little rest!!! To this day, 30 years later, I still go by those words!!! He was a great coach and he made me the runner, I am, to this very day!! However, the words rest and easy were never mentioned unless we tapered a couple of days before the conference meet!!

So, here I am, at the age of 50, still trying to pound the miles out without rest or days off. I know training has changed throughout the years but unfortunately, it is hard to teach old dogs new tricks!!!!!!

I am trying!! It's hard!!! But I know, in order to be sucessful at running ultras, rest and tapering is very important!! With that being said, in the next 17 days, I'm going to try and be a good girl and TAPER. This week will only be 60 miles, next week 40 miles and the last week 20 miles!! I should be ready to go come race day :) I know it won't be easy and my OCD will give me problems but I am tough and strong!!! I hope!!lol

Today, I ran 6 miles on the road, 1.25 miles in the pool that included 8x25yd sprints and 4x50yds sprints and 45 min. spin class

A Review Of Last Week Plus More

2011-03-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Megan and Kyle

It's been over a week since I have last wrote on my blog, so I will begin with the day after The Green Jewel 50k.

Sunday 3-6-11 A complete day of rest because I was very sore!! Kyle come home for spring break :)

Monday 3-7-11 Still too sore to run so I did some cross training. 1.25 miles swimming, spin class and 3.5 miles on the stairmaster.

Tuesday 3-8-11 Ran a slow 11.5 miles on the trails. Still sore and tired but I got it done!! Lifted weights

Wednesday 3-9-11 6.5 miles on the road with legs no longer sore but sluggish!! 1.25 miles swim, spin class

Thrusday 3-10-11 12 miles on the road in the pouring rain but felt much better :) Lifted weights Kyle's girlfriend, Megan, flew in from New Jersey to spend a few days with us until they go back to school.

Friday 3-11-11 10 miles road in wet snow :( Swam 1.5 miles, I got to sleep in alittle because Keith had a 2 hr delay do to the snowy roads! Coery come home, so I was one happy mother :) Everyone together with friends and girlfriends running in and out of the house all weekend!! I loved it!!!

Saturday 3-12-11 PR training run at MO. I got in 20.5 miles. I met up with Michelle Bichsel at the CB to get in extra miles before we met the rest of the group. Legs felt good :)

Sunday 3-13-11 Another PR training run. We were to meet at Mohican Adventures at 9am so I decided to get in extra miles by running from the house which ended up being 2.75 miles one way. Total of 22.5 miles. That was the last push before Umstead in three weeks!! Corey, Kyle and Megan all left to go back to school :( Now it's only my dear, sweet Keith left in the house once again!!

Monday 3-14-11 11 miles on the trails and lifted weights

Tuesday 3-15-11 6 easy miles on the road, core work and swam 1.5 miles with 450yd pull. Raining again :(

Green Jewel 50k

2011-03-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Friday 3-4-11 Did nothing!!!!!! Kyle qualified for the finals in the 800m in the NCAC Conference Meet with a time of 1:58.2. It has been a real struggle for him this season but he seems to be coming around :)

Saturday 3-5-11 Green Jewel 50k - Got up at 3:30am to head to Brecksville where we had to park out cars and then bused to the start at Rocky River. It was pouring down rain the whole time and I knew it was going to be a muddy, wet run!!

The first 10 miles went very well!! Nice comfortable pace, I think around 8:15 pace. I ran with Kevin Martin and then I had to stop for a pit stop and it kind of threw me off. I lost Kevin somewhere and was on my own.

By mile 15, I was starting to feel the affect of the pavement and my calves started to feel like they were cramping. We were running through mud, ankle deep water, rain and head winds!! Not a very pleasant experience :(

By mile 20, all I wanted to do is survive!! I was runing in second for the women and I knew I couldn't catch the woman ahead of me and no one seemed to be behind me, so I just tried to hold my pace. I refused to walk until I came to the first hill at mile 24. At that point, I needed a little relief and welcomed the slower pace!!! I only walked one more hill and then painfully ran the downhill on the last mile!!

Time - 4:25.06 - 2nd woman - 12th overall

Thanks to Joe, Vince and all the volunteers!!

I have mixed emotions after this race!!!! I am pleased to have run 6 min. faster than last year and came within 5 min. of a 50k PR but at the same time, I am realizing that I am no longer able to keep up with the younger crowd! That's very hard for me to come to terms with!!!!!!!! It's not worth punishing my body and then dealing with the aftermath!!!

Kyle didn't fair so well at the finals and only ran a 1:59 but I think he will do much better in outdoor!!

Sunday 3-6-11 The plan was to meet up with some runners at MO but I was way too sore to do any kind of running!! Took the entire day off which probably made things even worse!!

Monday 3-7-11 The right calf is very sore and it hurts to walk. I pray I didn't pull anything!!!! No running again but swam 1.25 miles, 45 min. spin class and 3.5 miles on the stairmaster.

Easy Does It

2011-03-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Today was a nice easy day!!!!!!!!!!

An easy 6 miles on the roads and lifted weights!!!

I got Kyle's room cleaned since he will be home on spring break next week. It will be great to have him home plus he will be bring his girlfriend, Megan, home for a couple of days.

Really getting worried about the Green Jewel 50k on Saturday!! The weather is calling for lots and lots of rain!! I'll just have to buck up and run the best I can!!!! After all the races I have run, I shouldn't be so nervous!!

Just get it done!!!!!

A Little Bit Of Everything

2011-03-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

Since the weekend, we have had all kinds of weird weather. It's been cold, snowy, warm, and rainy, which has led too much flooding in our area. So much that the poor kids had a day off on Monday!!!

My running has been much of the same!! I have gone from great runs, to good runs, to ok runs, to real crappy runs. With Green Jewel 50k in a little over 48 hrs, I think I'm in big trouble!!! Of course, not much tapering sure doesn't help my confidence!!

Starting with last weekend.......

Saturday 2-26-11 COTR run at Alum Creek in Delaware, OH. A big thanks to Michael Patton for organizing the run!! Thank goodness there wasn't as much snow in Delaware, only a couple of inches compared to the 8 inches we got at Mohican. The run consisted of a 6 mile loop that you could run as many times as you wanted. I did 4 laps for 24 miles. The first two laps were good!! Running with Julie Miller, a friend of Julie's and Cherly Splain for the first lap. The second lap was with Lindsey Brokaw and the last two laps I was by my lonesome. All in all a good run with the footing much better than I thought. Although, it did turn a little icy near the end!! Afterwards, I went to see Kyle at OWU and took him and his girlfriend, Megan out to eat!!

Sunday 2-27-11 I planned on meeting Rob Powell and Michelle Bichsel at the Firetower for a run on the hills but I was just tooooo tired!! I did get in a very good 12 miles on the road in the afternoon!!!

Monday 2-28-11 Lots and lots of rain on Sunday night, even a thunderstorm!!! Everything was totally flooded so no school once again for Keith, making it 8 snow days this winter!!! Some bridges were washed out and alot of water across the roads. I went exploring on my run and was amazed at how high the river was in town!!! The park, canoe liveries and the Grist Mill were all under water!!! 10 miles in for the day but didn't feel the best :( Lifted weights

Tuesday 3-1-11 Ran with really tired legs for 8.5 miles!! Felt sluggish :( Swam 1.5 miles with 450yd pull. I need to really back off for Saturday's 50k!!!!!!!

Wednesday 3-2-11 6 miles on the road and felt horrid!!!!!!!!!! 1.25 swim with sprints (1 x 25yd, 1 x50yd, 1 x 75 yd and 1 x 100 yd) x 2 and finished with 450yd pull, 45 minute spin class. Really, Really worried about how my legs are going to respond on Saturday. Stupid me, I never learn!!!!!!!!!!!!

The next two days will be VERY, VERY easy.....................................

Snow=Treadmill

2011-02-25T20:03:00.000-08:00

It was a treadmill day!! Woke up to 6-8 inches of snow, so there was no way I was going out on the roads and slip and slid around!

12 miles with 5 x half mile pick ups and 2 x 1 mile pickups, only about 7:30 min. miles just comfortable on tired legs. Good enough for a snowy day :) Lifted

I need to get 20 miles in tomorrow for a 100 mile week!! I will be meeting some friends at Alum Creek in Delaware where they have no snow!!!

Off to slumber land.............

Tough Workouts

2011-02-24T18:37:00.001-08:00

Well, in the last two days, I have had two long, hard workouts!!! The body is holding up pretty good but the legs are starting to get tired!! If I can make it through the weekend, next week will be a slight taper week for the Green Jewel 50k. I don't want to taper too much because I need to keep the miles up inorder to be ready for Umstead :)

Yesterday, Wednesday 2-23-11 A real killer of a workout!!!! Just the kind I like :) 8 miles on the road, 1.25 mile swim, 45 min. spin class and 3 miles on the stairmaster!! Gotta love it :) I tried to hit each workout as hard as I could and believe me when I was done, I was DONE!!!!!!!!!

Today, Thrusday 2-24-11 Woke up to ice outside which meant Keith had a two hour delay. That meant I could sleep in!!! Yea, for me!!! After Keith left at 10am, I was right behind him to start my run. I felt good and light as I hit the 5 mile mark so I decided to do some hill repeats. I did 3 hill repeats on a hill that was a little over a half of a mile! Still feeling good, I decided to continue my run on those childhood roads where it all started many years ago!!!!! Ended up with 15.2 miles and struggled at the end :( I need to learn not only to run on tired legs but also learn to hold it together mentally when I get tired! I think that is my down fall in my 100 milers!!! Really trying to work on it :) Lifted after my run

Tomorrow looks like a dreadmill run because they are calling for 10 inches of snow here at Mohican :( Will it ever end................

Another Snow Day

2011-02-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

Well, after last night's 5-6 inches of snow, Keith had another day off!! Even though the school made up a day yesterday, President's Day, they still have three days to make up. Bummer!!!

I also took a snow day and slept in until about 8:30! It was great and I think I needed it!!! I took my good ol' time getting ready to run because I was dreading getting on the treadmill!!! It turned out better than I thought :)

12 miles and I felt good!!!! Warmed up with 2 miles, 3x 1 mile, 1x 2 mile, 1x 3 mile pick ups and a 1 mile warm-down. I did a little jog between each set. My pick-ups were in the 7:15 min. mile pace. Not real fast but comfortable!! Pretty darn happy with that :)

Lifted weights

Warm weather, please hurry up and get here................................................

A Typical Monday

2011-02-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

8 miles on the road that was a recovery run after yesterday, 1.25 miles in the pool, and 45 minute spin class.

More snow, AGAIN!!!!!! We probably have about 5 inches since this afternoon so I guess my 10-12 miler tomorrow will have to be on the dreadmill :( Actually, I'm thinking about dividing the run up. It will all depend on how I feel once I get started.

I think it's around 41 days until Umstead 100 so the push continues!!! I'm also playing with the idea of skipping MMT 100(if I get in) and go for it at Mohican :)

The day is done and time for some shut eye :) YEA for me!!!!!!

Fun Run At Mohican

2011-02-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

It was an early start this morning at Mohican with Michael Patton, Jay Smithberger, Seth Chin-Parker, Mark Carroll, Rob Powell and Michelle Bichsel. 7:15am to be exact!! We ran the long loop of the new Mohican 100 course. From what I understand, the runners will run this long loop twice and then the third and fourth time around, the purple trail will be eliminated. Not positive, but something like that.

Tried my best to stay up with the big dogs, who were not running hard. As for me, at times I had to push the pace to keep them in eye sight!! All in all, a good run for me except for that darn ICE!! If I go down, I'll never get up, plus I might break a hip or something!!!lol The worse part of the trail was trying to run to the Little Lyons Falls to the hand over hand climb. You either had to run(walk) on ice or run in the stream and have wet feet! Actually, kind of scary!!!!! Everyone survived, although poor Michelle fell a couple of times and not on ice. She went down hard and tore up her hand alittle. I think Rob also took a tumble!! I hope they are both OK!!!!!

Total of 25 miles with great runners and friends :)

Loving The Runs

2011-02-19T18:19:00.000-08:00

Friday(2-18-11) Day four of another good run!!!!!! I've said it before, all the slow miles in the ice and snow must be paying off!!!!!! The plan was an 8 miler on the road and to try and push the pace as much as possible. Just under 8 min. miles the entire 8 miles :) Now, I know that is not extremely fast but at this point in the game, I'm pleased :) At my age, the body just doesn't respond like it use to!! The other good thing that happened on this run was no pain!! No back, IT band or hamstring pain!! Not even the slap foot I sometimes get with my left foot due to the pinched nerve!! For a change, it all fell together!!!!!
The rest of my workout, however, did not fair as well!! I got in the pool and got my usual mile and a fourth in but I suffered!! I did 4x25yd sprints and 4x50 yds sprints followed with a 300yd pull. It was hard and I was exhausted!!! On to spin class :) Nothing left in my legs but I gave it my best shot!!!! Sweat was pouring off of me and my quads were screaming!! At one point, I thought I might pass out!! lol I guess I over did it :) Gotta love it!!!!!!

Today(2-19-11) I needed an easy run!!! Went out to the trails and decided to go along the river at MO for an easy 10 miles. About 3 miles into it, the trails became very icy from all the thawing and freezing. I didn't have my screwed shoes, so I turned around and headed out on the bike trail. On this trail, the conditions were good and the run was easy :) Got in 11.5 miles and then came home and lifted.

Total of 93 miles for the week.

Life goes on................

Hills

2011-02-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

It must have been the weather today!!!! Three good runs in a row on the roads and I will be honest with you, I got alittle carried away. Wanted to at least get in 12 miles but you all know me, the run ended up being longer and tougher than I thought :)

I ran south of Loudonville along route 3 until I came to some back roads that leads you to my childhood home. I knew that there would be some pretty good climbs on these roads and that is just what I wanted for the day!!! After I hit mile 5, I started to do hill repeats. Every hill I came too, I would run it twice, trying to push the pace. Some of the hills were long and gradual and some were short and steep. The longest was a half of a mile and the shortest was less than 400yds. My 12 miler ended up being 18 miles :)

I just couldn't stop there so, I did a short lift!!!

6 weeks out from Umstead 100, so I need to keep on pushing!!!!

Also, I looked at the Massanutten 100 website and I am up to #43 on the wait list. Chances are that I will get in. Sooooooo, I'm starting to get nervous because I need to finish the race this year and I know how hard the course is. Today was just the start of hill training and anything else I can do to gain leg strength!!

Help me dear Lord!!!!!!

Two In A Row

2011-02-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

Something is up!!! I have had two good long runs in a row on the roads :) This either means I'm setting myself up for an injury OR it will lead to a great spring of running!!! We shall see!!

10.3 miles and then I decided to mix things up a little and do my 45 min. spin class first followed by a 1.25 miles swim that also included a 400yd pull. Spinning before swimming was much more difficult!

As I sit here writing on my blog, my youngest son , Keith is trying to figure out his classes for his senior year, which will be next year!! Can't believe it :( Keith and I have grown very close since the other two boys have left for college. It will be a very sad day when Keith leaves the nest!! I need to try and make everyday count and cherish the year and a half I have left with him!! He will always be my baby but I know that, he too, will survive this big world just like the other two boys!! Thanks you God for giving me three wonderful boys :)

On The Trails Again

2011-02-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

I finally got back on the trails again after two weeks due to the crappy weather. It was great to be out there again but the footing was not the best, to say the least!! For some reason, I think it is all mental, my body feels so much better on the trails no matter their condition!! So this is what has been happening since last Thrusday....

Thrusday 2-10-11 10.25 miles on the road and lifted weights

Friday 2-11-11 A totally crazy workout that included 7 miles on the road, 1.25 miles in the pool, 45 min. spin class and 3.8 miles on the stair climber

Saturday 2-12-11 10.5 miles on the trails. I decided to only run on the bike trail, mainly because I just wasn't sure how icy and snowy the trails actually would be. I started at the old PR start and ran to the 5 mile marker and back. The snow was frozen so I could run on top to it but as time went on and it started to warm up, my feet would start to crash through the snow. Slow going!!!!

Sunday 2-13-11 No Shirt 50k FA - I was excited to be out on the trails for a long run and to be able to do it with many friends. I knew the trails up at CVNP would be similar to the trail conditions at MO, so I figured it would be a long day. A long day it was!!!! When we first started out the snow was frozen and we had no trouble running on top of the snow. I ran with Tracy Ross for the first 11 miles and we seemed to have no problem. Running with Tracy is always fun and she makes the time go by quickly!!! Tracy turned around and I teamed up with Roy Hegar, Michelle Bichsel, and Rob Powell. We hung tight and had a good pace going for the next 5 miles until we reached the turn around point. At this time, the snow was starting to get soft due to the 45 degree temp. which was a great thing but made running very difficult!! The 16 miles back to the start point was hard and slow!! We were all getting tired and every step we took either slipped to one side or the other. We practically slid down the hills and many times about slid off the edges. We all started whinning and couldn't get done fast enough!! 7:22 was the time we were running and we felt every second of that run!! Fun but very exhausting!!! Thanks Roy, Michelle, and Rob for keeping me going :) A special thanks to Roy for organizing the event!!!

Monday 2-14-11 Happy Valentine's Day!!!! A day of rest :) I felt pretty good except for my feet. They were very sore, I think from being wet for so long on Sunday!! Kyle came home to go to the ENT doctor for his cough that has been effecting his running:( Just more inhalers!!!!

Tuesday 2-15-11 A great 12.5 miles on the road and lifted weights. I guess a day off can do wonders :)

Thank You Road Gods

2011-02-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Finally, the roads are clear of ice and snow!! And guess what, I survived :) It was so nice to run without all the slipping and slidding!!! Now all we have to deal with is the cold!!!

Had an awesome workout, today!!!!

Ran 6.5 miles on the road, 1.25 mile swim, 45 min. spin class and then I jumped on a treadmill at the Y and ran 4 more miles :) 10.5 total for the day!!

Running On Bad Roads

2011-02-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

Ok, folks, I have had enough of this weather!!!!!!!! I can live with running on the roads but it's their conditions that really piss me off!!!!!! I am tired of slipping and slidding all over the place on the ice and snow!! I know all the snow plow people are doing their best to get the roads clear but the other morning, I think if I saw one coming down the road, I would have stopped him, yanked him out of the truck and plowed the damn roads myself!!!!!!! I was MAD!!!!!!

The other pet peeve I have in this weather is the cars and trucks, or I should say the people driving them. What is up with the drivers stopping in the middle of the road and watching you go by before they continue on their way?? OH, don't you just love the nasty looks the fat peoople give you with their smokes hanging out of their mouths!!!!! And, then, you have the people who don't even see you and run you off the road!!!! Man, I miss running on the trails!!!!!!!!

Ok, enough of that, I'll survive!!!! I do think the cold is going to be a problem in the next couple of days, so there will probably be a couple of days on the dreadmill!!!!

Monday 2-7-11 6.5 miles on the road, 1.25 mile swim with a 400yd pull, 45 min. spin class

Tuesday 2-8-11 12.5 miles on the road and lifted weights

Road Running

2011-02-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

In the last two days, I have put in quite a few miles on the road. It has been a long time since I have put in two long runs on the roads. Since I have found the trails and love running on them, road running has lost it's appeal!! Roads and this old body no longer agree with each other!! The trails are so much more forgiving and it seems like I can run many more miles on the trails then the roads. However, at this point, I need to try and get in more road miles in order to prepare for the Green Jewel 50k, which is all on the roads. It's like training for a road marathon. Both runs this weekend felt good but they weren't too fast :(

Saturday 2-5-11 12 miles on the roads which were still slippery from the ice and snow. Lifted weights. Went to see Kyle run at Otterbein College but that will be a whole post of it's own!! Coming soon!!!

Sunday 2-6-11 Planned on only doing 15 but I got in 20.1 miles :) The roads were in much better shape except for the back roads that I normally run. Laid around most of the afternoon and now it's Super Bowl time but it is no big deal to me. I'm just interested in who wins!!!!

Doing My Best In These Conditions

2011-02-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Keith had another two hour delay, so once again I took advantage of it and slept in until 9am. Believe me it felt good!!!!!!! Once he left for school, I was out the door for my run. The roads seemed to be in better shape and not all covered with ice but no room on the sidewalks or the berm of the road so running was alittle dicey!!! You really couldn't get a good pace going because as soon as you did, you would have to slow down for cars or the ice. Did 8.5 miles the best I could without freaking out :)

I haven't been to the Y since the ice storm, so today was the day! Only the second time in a week. I really need to get some more swim miles in and be alittle bit more faithful on the spinning class. I guess one can only do so much!!!!lol Swam 1.5 miles and felt surprisingly good although it wasn't to0 fast.

Tomorrow, I would like to get out on the trails but I'm not sure of the conditions. I guess I'll just have to give it a try and do my best!!! I do need to run 10 miles tomorrow for an 80 mile week!! I feel really good about that but tired...........

Snow And Ice Not Very Nice

2011-02-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

The weather in the last three days have been pretty nasty!!! Ice, snow, wind, cold and more ice and more snow!!!!!! I guess it's how you look at it. For Keith , who is a junior in high school, and even my two sons who are in college, this nasty weather means no school and is great. For people who have to go to work, this type of weather means alot of extra work and driving on bad roads. Most of us worry about losing electric, staying warm and being bored from staying inside all the time. But, for us runners, ice and snow means long hours on the treadmill sweating our asses off!!

For the last two days, that is exactly what I have had to do, sweat my ass off!!! Actually, once I get going on the stupid thing, it's not so bad!! I just can't run a steady pace so I try to mix it up to break up the boredom.

Tuesday 2-1-11 Freezing rain, snow and wind so it was on the treamill!! 10 miles with pick ups of different times and distances. Lifted weights

Wednesday 1-2-11 Groundhog Day, He didn't see his shadow so that means we will have an early spring(I think that's how it goes) 12 miles on the treadmill with different inclines and speeds. Lifted weights. I went out in the morning to let the dog out and fell down so the rest of the day I stayed in!!

Thrusday 1-3-11 I couldn't take it anymore and ran outside. The first run was in the am and I wore my screwed trail shoes. Ran 6.6 on the roads which were still iced covered but the shoes worked well. Lifted weights. Run number two was in the pm and I wore my regular road shoes which was a mistake. I was slipping and sliding everywhere for 6 miles. 12.6 total with a left sore knee :(

Hopefully, there will be school tomorrow and life will get back to normal :) A trip to the Y is needed.................

Forget The PR Training Weekend

2011-02-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was the first training weekend for the PR 50k. I knew that with all the snow cover it would be two long and tough runs but at the same time tons of fun!!

Saturday Jan.29th was a training run at MO of about 15 miles that started at the Firetower at 9 am. I wanted to get in 20+ miles that day so I decided to start earlier at the Covered Bridge. Lindsey Brokaw met me at 8 am to join me in the extra miles. We started on the bike trail that runs up to the FT which would give us close to 4 miles. Once we got started, I knew it would be a long day with all the snow. We got up to the FT to join the other runners right before 9 am. It is always so good to see all my running friends and it always lifts my spirit to be able to run with others. We started off through the deep snow by way of the bridle trail. Since Rob Powell, the RD, has changed the course, I am no longer familiar with the course and had no idea which trail and in what order we would be running. The group I ended up running with didn't know the course either and before long we had made a wrong turn. We weren't lost but just all turned around until Rob some how found us going the wrong direction. We had ran about 1.5 miles off course and had to turn around and run back making it 3 extra miles. Normally it would be no big deal but in the snow everyone was getting real tired!! Most of the group headed back but Joe Crawford, Rob Powell, Michelle Bichsel and myself continued on the course. Rob and Michelle ended up taking a short cut back which left Joe and myself to continue on to finish the drudge fest. By the time I got back to the FT and was extremely tired but had to go back to the CB to the car. Many offered me a ride, but I was bound and deteremined to get the miles in. It ended up being 24 miles by the time I ran back to the CB!!! Tired but happy :)

Sunday Jan. 30th was the second PR run of the weekend that started at Mohican Adventures which will be the start/finish of the race. We had an other inch or so of snow, so once again, I thought it would be a long slow day. Tired and a little sore from yesterday, I figured I would have to take it easy and run alittle slow. Once I got started, I found myself running with the lead group and feeling good. Running was a lot easier but a little bit slippery, so this old lady had to really watch herself!!lol I had to stay focused in order to keep on my feet!!! We ran up what us runners call"The Big Ass Hill" to the FT, down to the CB, the purple loop and then along the river back to Mohican Adventures. That gave us 17.2 miles but my goal was 20 miles, so Mark Carroll went back out with me until we ran into Kim Love and then turned around for a total of 20.2 miles. Mark needed 1.8 miles so he could get in his 20, so back out I went with him and ended up with 22 miles for the day!!!

Thank you to Rob Powell and Michelle Bichsel for putting the runs together!!!

Monday Jan. 31st - 6 miles on the road, 1.25 mile swim that included 400 yd pull and 45 min. spin class

Tuesday Feb.1 - ice storm, no school for Keith and the weatherman said more is on the way :(`10 miles on the treadmill with pick ups at all different distances and speeds, lifted weights

2 Hour Delay

2011-01-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning to about 1-2 inches of snow which made the roads icy. The local tv channel indicated that the Loudonville-Perrysville schools were on a two hour delay. Good for Keith to be able to sleep in but also good for me too!! I should have got up for a run but instead I decided to take a two hour delay also and went back to sleep!!!

Two hours later, Keith was off to school and I was off for a run on the road. Planned on only doing 6 miles but once I go started and was feeling good, I kept on going for an 8 miler!!! I think by running in the snow on the trails for the last couple days, made my legs feel light on the roads!! Maybe, all this hard work trudging in the snow will pay off!!!

I didn't have time to get to spin class but I did make to the Y for a swim. Swam 1.25 miles and that also felt good. I need to try harder to get more cross training in in order to help my running.

Corey came home for the weekend so that means extra cooking and more laundry. Luck me!!!!!

Looking forward to the weekend with two PR training runs :) Hopefully, I'll be able to get in 20+ miles both days!!!

More Snowy Trails

2011-01-27T18:34:00.000-08:00

The plan was to meet Mark Carroll this morning and do a long run at MO. Unfortunately, Mark had to cancel, so I was on my own. I was in no big hurry to get started since I was still tired from yesterday's run, so around 10am I headed out the door.

I really didn't have any plans on where to run or how far, but I did want at least 10 miles on the snow covered trails. I hope that all this slow trudging in the snow will have it's benefits come this spring. I started out at the old PR start/finish and headed onto the orange loop. The first 5-8 miles were not too bad since the snow has been trampled down alittle. After that, my legs started to scream at me and it seemed like the snow was getting deeper with no tracks to follow except those that were made by the little wild creatures! Running was pretty difficult between miles 9-11. No tracks to follow, just alot of snow to plow through!!! From the CB back to campground A was easy sailing, running on mostly backed down snow but I was TIRED!!! Total of 16 miles and at this point, I should hit around 90 miles for the week :)

If running 16 miles in the snow wasn't enough, I decided to lift weights when I got home! I didn't have much strength but I at least I went through the motions!!

Can't wait for spring and warmer weather :)

Running With Kimba

2011-01-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

This morning I met up with Kim Love-Ottobre at Mohican. Kim wanted to get a long run in on hills of Mohican so I jumped at the chance to run with some good company :) Kim is preparing to be the first woman in Ohio to finish MMT 100 and I truely believe she will do it!!!!

We started our adventure around 9am and soon found that the running would be slow going due to the poor footing caused by the snow. No hurry, it's time on your feet that is most important when preparing for 100 milers!! Kim is such a strong and agile runner that the snow gave her no problem. As for me, by the end of the run my quads were tired and my right knee was hurting. Two days of running long in the snow makes this old body breakdown!!!! It was fun to see all the little, wild animal tracks in the snow and wonder what they had been doing or where they were going!! We had a great time and good conversation along the way, which makes the time go fast and before we knew it, we were done. Total 18 miles.

Thanks, Kim!!!!!!

Who Needs A Trainer

2011-01-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

I felt like Rocky, today!!! The scene were he is running through the snow, was me, only I didn't have any weight on my back!! That is exactly what I was thinking, as I was trudging up the first big xterra hill, which will be the first hill on the new PR course. It sure was slow going but I tried to push myself the best I could!!!

The other thought that came into my head, was the thought of how great it was to put my body through this type of conditioning and not have to pay for it!!!lol All you have to do is run on the trails, in the snow and you have a great workout for free!!! I think I was using every muscle trying to stay upright from all the slipping and sliding. Sometimes you are running fast and sometimes you are barely walking!! You use everything from leg muscles, to the core and even the arms!!! No wonder I'm tired tonight :)

11 miles in for the day, followed by weights.

The Good Days

2011-01-24T16:05:00.000-08:00

As I said in my post yesterday, the good days always out weigh the bad ones, well, today was one of those days :) After about a week of really crappy runs and workouts, I finally had a GOOD one!!!!!!

I ran 6.5 miles on the treadmill due to the cold weather and felt great!!! So good, that I did a fartlek run that included 4x1 min, 4x 1:30 min, and 4x 2 min pick ups at a 5k race pace. I could have went longer but I forced myself to stop while I was still feeling good!! I had a great swim afterwards, swimming 1 and a quarter mile and felt strong!!! Then did a 45 min spin class and pushed myself hard. Did leg curls and extentions after class with some core work. Very happy with myself but tired :) On a day like today, I can say "Bring It On"!!!!!!!!!

Weekend Wrapup

2011-01-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

Well, the weekend is over and it had it's good and bad moments!!

First of all the good. I'm finally feeling better after about 2 days of the stomach flu and then 3 days of trying to recover. After an entire week, I got to the Y for a mile swim. Got shopping done and some of the house cleaned plus very grateful that we have a warm house since it has been so very cold out!! Got some miles in although they were slow and I was tired!! Kyle placed second for OWU in the 800 at their home meet on Saturday. He is finally starting to come around after his broken foot and knee problems. Corey seems to be settling in at Kent and Keith is enjoying his second semester classes thus far. He is also enjoying the snow days but will have to start making them up if they have anymore :(

Now for the not so good!! I will start by saying"I hate being and getting old!!" It seems like my mind says go, go, go but my body feels otherwise!! Because my body is suffering, my mind is starting to give up!! And the vicious cycle goes round and round!! I tell myself to be gracious and wise and except the changes in my body but it is so very hard!! I try to remind myself of this as I am running on the snow covered trails, trying to keep from crying. It was just so hard running in the snow and every part of me was saying STOP!!!!! I drudged on for 16 miles finally stopping and wondering why I do this to myself and wondering why I think I can stay up with those 20 years younger. I don't know if I can answer these questions but I can tell you that I LOVE TO RUN and it is in my blood!! I just have to get through this age and change of life thing!!! I know that there are going to be bad days, but the good days always out weigh those darn bad ones!! SO, I shall continue to try to be the best I can!!!!!!

Saturday - 6 miles on the dreadmill in the am, 1 mile swim that included 300yd pull and 6 miles on the road in the pm

Sunday - 16 miles on the trails at MO

Still Under The Weather

2011-01-21T17:09:00.000-08:00

Still not feeling well :( No energy and the stomach is still upset which means no eating which is why there is no energy!!lol Kind of a merry-go-round cycle!!! The price of getting old, I guess!!! I sure hope this passes soon!!!

I was able to force myself on the treadmill by late morning. Keith had a snow day and Corey had came home the night before so since they all slept in, so did I :) I knew the roads would be in bad shape and I didn't want to fight the snow covered trails so I decided it would be on the wonderful dreadmill!!! 10 miles of trying not to throw-up was no fun but I survived!! I then decided to lift weights which was not a smart idea since I had no strength, but I got that done!! You guessed it, I was trashed the rest of the day and have now spent all evening lying around.

Maybe a trail run in the morning with friends!! Stay tuned.......................

Sick :(

2011-01-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

For the last two days, I have been struck with the terrible stomach flu!!! No fun at all, but I have survived!! Still feeling weak and alittle unsettled but I'm sure that will pass soon. I need to start eating in order to gain some energy but the good old stomach is still kind of yucky!!

Two days of no running is sort of making me squirm!!!! Tomorrow, I will definitly run but it might have to be on the dreadmill. It will all depend on how much snow we will have by morning. Hopefully, I will be back to normal and the rest of the family doesn't get the bug! Between getting sick and all the snow and cold weather we have been having, my training has started to suffer!!! It is time to get on with it.......................................

A Damp Kind Of Day

2011-01-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

After a day off yesterday, the legs have bounced back nicely :) The quads are alittle sore but after my short, slow run today, they are fine!! The goal for the week will be to run only 6 miles a day plus cross training until the weekend and then hopefully, I will try to get in a couple of 20 milers on the trails.

Today was wet and dreary but at least it was warm :) I even thought about running in shorts but chickened out at the last minute!! Ran a nice and easy 6.5 miles on the road and felt good so I guess the day off did me some good!! I thought about running on the trails but I figured they would be pretty sloppy and I have had my fill of snowy, sloppy trails so the road sounded pretty darn good :) After my run, I lifted weights and did some much needed house work. I also took an unplanned nap but it sure felt good!!lol

Until tomorrow.................................

One Week

2011-01-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

This is what I have been doing this week........ I am going to try very hard this week to blog more :)

Sunday 1-9-11 11 miles on the road. abs

Monday 1-10-11 6 miles on the road, 1.25 mile swim and 45 min. spin class

Tuesday 1-11-11 10.5 miles on the trail and lifted weights

Wednesday 1-12-11 Snow day for Keith so I slept in also :) 8 miles on the dreadmill with 2 of those miles walking on the highest incline and lifted weights.

Thrusday 1-13-11 1o miles on the road and did not feel very good. I have been fatigued with no energy. I think it has to do with the change of life thing!!! That will have to be a subject all on it's own!! Lifted weights after my run. I need to start to taper a tiny bit for Run With Regis 50k on Sunday.

Friday 1-14-11 6 miles on the road, 1.25 mile swim with 450yd pull and 45 min. spin class.

Saturday 1-15-11 6.5 miles on the trails which were very snowy and difficult to run on!! abs

Sunday 1-16-11 Run With Regis 50k A cold and snowy day. To be truthful, it beat my body to hell!!!!! There was about a foot of snow on the trails which were slippery and slushy making running very difficult :( Image running on the beach in the deep sand for 6 hours, that's how it was except it was cold!! I did get my PW(personal worst) with a time of 6:16 but there was no way I could have gone any faster!! However, all is good and it will only make me stronger as soon as I get over the soreness!! First female finisher and 8th overall.The best part was seeing and running with all my friends :) A big thank you goes out to Tanya Cady and all the volunters for a great race!!

Monday 1-17-11 Martin Luther King Day A complete day of REST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back To The Cross Training :)

2011-01-10T17:26:00.000-08:00

My three sons at Christmas - Keith, Kyle and Corey

Ran a cold, 6 miler, this morning!! Double pants, shirts and gloves, UGH!!!!
It's time to get back to my regular workout routine and do some cross training!! So, after my run, I went to the Y and swam 1.25 miles and did a 45 min. spin class. I could tell I haven't been in the pool or on the bike in a while, which equals out to tired legs!!!! I do need to back off at the end of the week for the Run For Regis 50k on Sunday. Not really a goal race so time really won't matter, it's all about the miles!!!

Sleeping In

2011-01-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

WOOOWEEEEEE!!!!!!! I got to sleep in today :)

My plan was to get up and run with a group in Lucas, a small town close to Mansfield, but when the alarm went off around 7am, I just was too tired :( I guess staying up until 1am was not a good idea!! Plus it was just too cold :)

An eight hour+ night of sleep did me wonders and it has been a long time coming!!! Sooooo, around 9am, I managed to drag myself out of bed, put on the running clothes and enjoy the sunshine even though it was about 12 degrees!!! I also made Mark come out with me so I didn't have to run alone!!!!

Mark ran about 4 miles and then I continued for a total of 11 miles on the road. No big push, just a nice steady pace :) Did some core work and called it a day...................

p.s. The real Christmas tree downstairs finally came down and upstairs, we are still celebrating Christmas with the artificial tree!! lol
p.s.s. Really am missing the boys :( I guess I'm going through the empty nest syndrome even with one boy still at home! I hate to think what it will be like when he leaves in a year and a half :( I'll just have to workout more!!!!!!!lol

Running In The New Year

2011-01-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

It's been an entire week since I have been on my blog so I will try to give a summary of a very busy first week of the year. With all three of the boys home, there seems to be a lot of activity here at the Lemke household!! I do love it but sometimes it's a little overwhelming when they all need something!! I have had to do about everything for everyone which gave me little time for working out, of course, with the exception of RUNNING :) Between Christmas and New Year, cooking, cleaning, extra laundry, colds, the flu, cold and snowy weather and simply spending time with each of the boys, left me with little time for myself except running and an occational weight lifting session. No time for cross training which probably was a blessing in disguise!!! Corey has left for nursing school at Kent State, Kyle left to go back to OWU and Keith is starting his 2nd semester as a Jr. at LHS. This equals out to be a very sad mom and a very quite house :( Sooooo, it's back to running, swimming, spinning and lifting, with the possiblity of starting up bootcamp in Feburary!!

The first week of the year went like this...........

Saturday 1-1-11 Get you Fat Ass To The Bio 50k at Granville, OH near Dennison University. No one really knows for sure if it was exactly a true 50k but it was fun! Started out in the 60's with rain and ended in the 40's with rain!! A very muddy and wet 7+ mile loop that you could run at least 4 times. I did the 50k with the the first two loops at a pace under 5 hrs for a 50k but then suffered on the third loop which cost me some time and then came back on the fourth loop. My time was somewhere around 5:10. Very pleased :) Thanks to Chris Gillman, who ran with me the first two laps and to Jay Smithberger for putting on the event!!

Sunday 1-2-11 No soreness from Saturday's run!! I guess the chocolate milk thing really works!! Ran 8.5 miles on the trails at Mohican.

Monday 1-3-11 10.3 miles on the road and lifted weights.

Tuesday 1-4-11 12 miles on the trails and swam 1 mile that included 450 yd pull.

Wednesday 1-5-11 6 miles on the road in the AM and lifted weights. Kyle needed to do a track workout, which he can do at the indoor track in Wooster, so I decided to tag along. I ended up with 5 more miles in the PM. 1 mile warm-up, 3 miles of 200 and 400 yd pick-ups and 1 mile warm down.

Thrusday 1-6-11 Kimba's Birthday run at Mohican. Dan Bellinger, Cheryl Splain, Nancy Dillion, Chris Gillman and myself, celebrated her birthday with a 16 mile run!! Itwas a wonderful morning as the snow began to fall and turn the trails into a winter wonderland. When we got to the Big Lyons Falls, we were surprised by a huge ice sculpture that had formed from the water falling off of the falls!! Really neat!!! After the run, we all enjoyed cupcakes that I had made :) I decided I wanted more miles, so I ran 4 more, for a total of 20!!

Friday 1-7-11 8.6 miles on the road with very tired legs and lifted weights. Went with Kyle, again, to the track and ran a 4 mile tempo run!!

Saturday 18-11 11 miles on the trail along the river and then up the hill on the bike path. It was hard running due to the snow that fell during the night!! It's muzzle loading season so I needed to stay close to the park.

Total for the week(Sun.-Sat.) 84.4 miles

A New Beginning

2011-01-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!!!!

I hope everyone finds what they are looking for in the year 2011!!!!

The Last Run

2010-12-31T19:24:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2010-12-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

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!!!!!

2010-12-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2010-12-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

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!!

2010-11-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2010-11-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2010-11-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

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 :)

2010-09-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-17T14:28:00.001-07:00

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 :)

2010-09-15T19:17:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!

2010-09-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

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.......

2010-09-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

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.................