Pace Your Problem Tuesday

Happy Halloween

The loop I run around in my neighborhood is slightly more than one mile. I was running past my house after lap one, and I glanced over to my porch and front yard. It felt like slow motion as I watched the hanging ghoul in the yard sway with the wind. It was almost as if he was silently screaming at the squirrels going about their nutty business in the yard. It made me think about my current situation at home.

The Terror

My two year old is currently potty training. She has it all figured out except for the cleaning herself part. It is that awkward stage in every two year old's life where they are done with diapers and pull-ups but still can't wipe their own behind. This is the problem that I paced this morning as I ran my four miles. By the time I got to the end of my run I concluded with myself that this is one of those really "crappy" situations where I have to let her figure it out on her own. Of course I will be there for her and help her go through the motions, but I must stand back at some point and let her be more independent. Yes, she will have her tantrums and emotional set-backs, but in this I think she will learn a valuable lesson. Otherwise, my terror of a two year old will never gain her independence and I will still be folding her laundry in fifteen years.

Pace Your Problem

What is causing you stress? Anything that a good run can fix?

Slay It Saturday

Race Day

I ran my first race today, and I can't believe how fun it was. Everyone was nice and smiling and the atmosphere was full of excitement. I got to the event location early and got my number, which I discovered today is called a "bib".  I pinned it to the thigh part of my pants and paced like a nervous first-timer. Come 9:00 a.m. we were all piled out by the meter strip awaiting the start of the race, and I was pleasantly surprised by the pre-race prayer. When everyone agreed they were ready, the race began and the runners stepped off. It was so chilly out so I didn't need to worry about overheating, and the view was amazing!!! We ran by cows and a very curious donkey in their individual pastures; also, residents of the area came out to watch the runners. The route is simply magnificent. 

Before I list my race results, I want to thank the police officers who guided the run and made the route safe. I also want to thank the entire community involved with the event, as everyone I spoke with were friendly and made me feel welcome. A special thank you to Bradley and Susan, who took the time to introduce me to the pro-racers and other members of the Gadsden Runners Club.

 

My Results

My finish time as clocked by the meter strip was 24:43, averaging me at 7:58 a mile. We ran 3.1 miles; a 5K. Out of the 75 racers who participated, I ranked 18, and I was the 3rd female to cross the finish line. In my age group, I was the 1st out of 7. I was very surprised when they called me up for a cute little pumpkin trophy for 3rd place female. It took me a slow second to realize it was my name they called.

Throwback Run Thursday

Time Honored Tradition

Today I want to throwback on my old unit, HQ 82nd DSTB. This unit has changed a lot since my time in the service, but one thing that will always remain the same is the higher standards for running. I will never forget the old saying, "No walking on Ardennes." Not just because it was a saying, but because it was for real. You are not permitted to walk on Ardennes, especially not during the morning hours allotted for PT. So this post is for my battle buddies and brothers and sisters that served with me, and all the armed forces for their sacrifices and their traditions that mean something to them. 

All The Way!

I would love to hear a throwback about your run experiences and run companions.

Chilly Jog

 Team Work

My husband and I have never had the opportunity to run together with just he and I. There was a time in Orlando when we jogged together with our children in jog strollers, but that was a little stressful. There will come a time in our lives when we will be able to run together, but for now we wait on each other to return from a jog before the other steps off.

 Quaint Gadsden

We live on the outskirts of downtown Gadsden, so many of the houses are historical and manorly. The neighborhood is so beautiful to run through, it is nearly impossible to not wonder upon the history and the stories within this quaint town. I was chilled to the bone this morning as I stepped off on my run this morning, but I was thoroughly warmed through by the time I finished my first mile in 7:49. 10 Years Radio on Pandora accompanied me around my 1.04 mile loop; along with my panging shins, I might add. According to my Nike Run app, I finished 4.07 miles averaging 8:08 a mile. As I started my walk home I took the time to appreciate the euphoria I felt from the adrenaline rush, and I thought about how I could have easily done another mile or two if I had wanted. Since I am preparing myself physically and mentally for the Pumpkin Run on Saturday, I wanted to take it easy and prevent an injury.

As I walked home my family greeted me on the porch, with my two year old excited to see me, and my 7 month old kicking with happiness as I relieved my husband of her. It was a great morning! How was your run today?

 

Registered For The Race

Pumpkin Run Registered

I just finished registering for The Great Pumpkin Run 5K in Gadsden, AL, and I just had to share the news. I don't think Saturday can get here soon enough, or I might burst with the excitement I feel. I have been running since I can remember, and I have even run with large groups in formation running during my Army days.

Brief AutoBio

I have mentioned before that I grew up running. Impressive was never a word used to describe my efforts at running, at least, not until I was stationed in the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg. By the time I arrived to my duty station in the 82nd, all the training I had received had whipped me into the best shape of my life. Man, it kills me to admit it, though. Back in those days I was running a 14:19 two mile, 30-40 push-ups, and cranking out 90-100 sit-ups on my PT tests.. These days I am five children and 15 lbs up from where I was back then. While I do not regret having children and marrying my love, Jeff, I really do miss feeling amazing in my own body.

I am not here to shame myself or anyone else; however, I am here to encourage and motivate and share!! I will always love running and I enjoy hearing about other's experiences with running. I will be hitting the road tomorrow morning, and I will share my thoughts, run time, distance, etc.

Guest Run: Double Take

Saturday Morning Recharge

I rolled out of bed ready to begin my run with my first blog guest ever! And who better to run with me than my very own twin sister, Miranda. I'm pretty sure our passion for running is genetic, by the way. I remember my mother would run ten miles once a week, and my twin and I would be rolling along on our bicycles right there with her. When we got older we picked up running; as well, from the track team in Junior High to running in the neighborhood on our spare time.Our career paths took separate directions, with her earning an Associates in Applied Science for Criminal Justice Technology and picking up a job working security, and I followed my path through the 82nd Airborne Division. We still try to squeeze in a run now and again, because we need running like plants need water.

This morning's run was perfect! It was darker out, much like a stormy day, but without the rain. There was a nice, cool breeze to keep our external temperature down. We cranked out two miles at an easy pace of 9:35 a mile, and we passed other joggers in the neighborhood. I suspect one or two of them may be members of the Gadsden Runners Club. My shins are a bit mad at me today, so I will probably need to invest in some K Tape and styrofoam cups. A little runner's trick I picked up from my PA when I was in Division was to fill a styrofoam cup with water and freeze it. When you get back from a run pull out the cup from the freezer and roll it up and down your shins to work out the toxins that build up in that area. It feels amazing and the ice in the cup is the perfect way to cool your legs down. The K Tape is a great way to take some strain off your tendons and ligaments during a run, and this will likely reduce your recovery time, as well.

Kudos to my twin sis for getting back in the game and working on her personal and career goals. I am looking forward to our next buddy run together. Also, next Saturday is the Great Pumpkin Run in Gadsden. See you there!

Check List

• K Tape before a run.
• Charge phone.
• Charge activity tracker (I got my Fitbit).
• Charge head phones.
• Freeze water in styrofoam cups the night prior.
• Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
• Eat 30-45 minutes prior, or a banana or apple 5 minutes prior; never run on an empty stomach!
• Get in your protein POST run. It helps supply oxygen to the muscles for recovery and repair.

The Running Blog Intro

Introducing: Me

I jogged the neighborhood this morning doing my normal sing-along routine, and it occurred to me that I would love to make running more of an event in my life. I love people and the noise of crowds, why not feature normal, everyday people in a short post doing what they love to do; which is run! So I am going to participate in local races and events and get to know other runners like myself, and then I will discuss their runner's high moments and the love for the road right here. 

Feel The Breeze!!! 

Come on Gadsden! Run with me in the Great Pumpkin Run 5K; starting at 9:00 A.M on October 27, 2018. Plus, your entry fee will help Southside High maintain their baseball team, and we all know baseball season is coming. The event begins and ends at Riverbend Baptist Church in Whorton Bend. I will see you all there!

Calendar

October 27 - Great Pumpkin Run 5K

November 3 - Dasche For The Stache

All Running in the USA events are subject to change, and I will update my readers as I learn more about upcoming races.

Resources

Running in the USA

Pumpkin Run