I had a dream last night....

Okay, for all of you dream interpreters what does it mean when I dream that I am in Chicago, get half way through the race and then stop at the half way point to help George Alliston or Chuck Gautier -- I'm not sure which one it was -- write a term paper. After three hours go by I realize I really need to get back out on the course but now am worried as I'm only half way and 6 hours have gone by.

There were some other parts to the dream that are pretty fuzzy by now, but the whole dream reminded me of those dreams where you go to class to take a final exam but haven't been going to class or studying, or those dreams where you're naked or partially dressed and find yourself at school or work. Weird stuff! The weather, though was perfect!

Hope all is well with everyone. I'm still travelling and keeping busier than I'd like. Leaving Friday for Colorado, though, so I'm a happy girl.

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.

Marathon Maintenance more info

I just want to make sure that everyone understands my only intention in the post below was to identify those folks who are not participating in the Blues Marathon training and see if they are interested in getting together, as we can, for a group run/walk on a route of their chosing. If they are, then we would set up an email distribution and whoever is interested in setting up a route would use that list to let the group know where, when and how.

The Jackson Bike Club members routinely send out emails to its membership saying "Hey, I'm leading a ride on such and such a date, starting at such and such a time and place. Join us if you'd like". That was the model I was working on -- an informal group who wants to buddy up when then they can, but for whatever reason are not now participating with Mark's group. If I have stepped on toes or offended anyone, please accept my apologies. My only intent was to provide some mechanism for folks who "were going through withdrawal," as I heard several times in Blogs and at the Halloween party, to keep in touch and in shape.

I hope that those who are training for the Blues or who intend to train for the Chicago Marathon in '08 will do so with Mark's group as there are many, many benefits to what he provides. I certainly do not want to compete with or take away from that. I was only offering this idea for those who chose not to participate in the Blues Marathon training and who may or may not be participating in Chicago 08 -- but even if they are planning on training for Chicago are waiting for that training to start in late January.

Marathon Maintenance

I am not participating in the Blues Marathon, nor am I, at this time planning on Chicago '08. (Ask me again next January)

At any rate, I do not want to lose what conditioning I have achieved and have been managing to do some distance walking on Saturday -- 10 miles this past Sat.

At the Halloween party a few folks mentioned they were not participating in the Blues Marathon but were going through "withdrawal" of sorts from the group. So I'd like to suggest for those of us to want to continue to train as a group on Saturdays that we could create a Marathon Maintenence club. We could create an email list of those interested and someone each Saturday would take the responsibility of deciding on a route (6-10 miles), meeting place, and time and emailing that route to the group. That's it! The rest is up to the participant -- to bring their own hydration and show up at the appointed hour. The organizer is only responsible for sending out the route to the email list.

This gives anyone who is interested an opportunity on Sat. (or even Sunday afternoon if the organizer so chooses) to meet with others, visit, get some exercise and maybe we could even plan on breakfast someplace after the run.

eMail me if you're interested, and I'll create the email list and solicit "organizers" for each weekend. (Kayra, we'll even come to Hazelhurst if you want to set up a route down there!)

I will be out of town the next four weekends or I would volunteer for this Saturday. But I will handle trying to get this somewhat organized and creating and distributing the email list.

Remember, the only thing the organizer for that weekend would do is determine the route, start time and place and email the distribution to see who's interested in joining in for that day. Anyone who comes is responsible for their own hydration and should bring a copy of the route that was emailed to everyone.

I hope this makes sense. Bottom line, if you're interested email me and we'll go from there.
(cellsa1@bellsouth.net) (Note: that is the numeral one before the @ symbol in my email address).

Trick or Treat

Thanks to all who came to the Halloween Party! It was alot of fun. I have had one every year for the past 8 years (except for one when my Dad was ill) and I must say, this one was the best and it was because of all our Marathon friends that came. You truly were the life of the party!

I didn't get a chance to take too many pics, but here's a few I did. Christa's were better...

Check it out!

Check out this video on YouTube. At about 39 seconds into it, you'll see the wheelchairs fly by 4 ladies in bright orange shirts...one of whom, with a bright pink hat in her back pocket whips out a camera to take their picture as they fly by. I think I recognize those ladies!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNejR3um3gw

Just checking in

Was in Shreveport last weekend and did my usual route there, completing 8 miles. It's still amazing to me that 8-10 miles seems so ordinary and easy. Still walking, not running as my achilles tendon has been very sore lately. Trying streching and ice, but am afraid to stress it too much right now. Walking feels good after I get warmed up so I'll stick with that for a little bit before I start trying to run intervals.

I have really enjoyed everyone's pictures that they've posted from Chicago. I took a few on a dispo camera, but haven't had them developed yet. Frankly, I don't expect them to come out very good. I went off and left my little digital camera at home and was so mad at myself! I've never been very happy with the dispo camera output.

I am so tired of the hot weather! I went out this a.m. at 5:30 and it was YUCK! hot and humid. I hear that is going to change tonight and tomorrow. I guess we're never satisfied and when it's cold this winter I'll be wishing the heat back.

House is getting pretty festive, getting all the Halloween decorations up. Lots to do before Saturday! Hope to see everyone Saturday night. I've had a Halloween party every year since we built our house except one. So this is Halloween party #7. Usually it's mostly work friends who come. I can't tell you how happy I am to know that many of my Marathon friends are coming this year. It will make it all that much better! If you are planning on coming and haven't let me know yet, please do, so I can make sure we have enough food and drink! You don't need to bring anything but your smiling faces! (Note, I said BRING anything...please do WEAR more than your smiling face!).

Moving On...

Well, it's taken me some time to get my thoughts together and plan "what's next". I am so very, very disappointed about Chicago. I do think it was absolutely the right thing to cancel it, but am so sad that it had to get to that point. We won't even talk about the denials and failure to even say "we're sorry" after the fact by the race "organizers".

I felt like I had a marathon in me -- albeit a walking one. But I must say, it was pretty lonely in the back of the pack on that Sunday. I was doing fine, staying hydrated and walking a pretty good pace, but dang if they weren't pulling the course up right in front of me. I only hit the 5K step off pad -- all others were gone before I got there. Most of the mile markers were down and I was worried I was going to be swept up by the street sweepers. I made it to mile 13 before the race was called. So all of that made me realize that I really had no business out there unless I could meet the minimum time requirement -- with a little margin. It's ironic that I decided to start with the race start rather than leave early as I wanted an "official time". Joke was on me on that one! I truly believe if I had started with those folks who went early that I would have finished. I am so proud of Onetta, Lisa, Amy and anyone else who left early and finished the whole course. What a great accomplishment!

So now I have this unmet goal and, believe me, I am goal oriented and I am conflicted. I feel so bad that I didn't finish but I just cannot continue on a Marathon path at this time. Between work, family and the holidays coming up I cannot bring myself to spend the long Saturdays I need to in order to really be ready for a marathon. I don't want to right now.

I am very happy with all that I have accomplished since January. I know I could have done more, but as I put on my marathon shirt DLF>DNF>>DNS (DEAD LAST FINISH (I think I was on course for that!) is greater than DID NOT FINISH (oops, that's where I ended up) greatly trumps DID NOT START). Mark's blog reminded me of the real goal -- to get to the starting line -- and I at least did that.

I do want to keep working on my fitness and pledge to not "back slide". I have done my morning walks last week and this week and even did a brisk 6 miles on Saturday. I am determined to be able to actually run, but with a goal of short distances for now. When I get to the point where I can actually run a 10K -- all the way -- then I'll entertain the idea of training again for a marathon. I will not do it if I can't get to the point where I can at least maintain a pace that will assure that the course remains open while I'm on it, and that will require some running on my part.

Like others who have blogged recently, I, too plan on checking in on the group and supporting everyone whenever I can. I'm always ready to party, so if you need a party place, just let me know!

Speaking of parties, don't forget about the Halloween party at our house Saturday, October 27th. I hope to see you there!

Let's Party!

The Spooky King and Spooky Queen

Think that it would be fun

To host a Halloween Party

And invite our friends to come.
We'll make ghostly little figures,

And decorate with flair

And prepare ghoulish things to eat --

Consume them if you dare.
We'll make a jug of beetle juice,

And a monster munchy pie.

Some little witches' broom sticks

And some spiders' legs we'll fry.
Please join us on this frightful night

The party starts at eight

On October Twenty seven

Come and meet your fate!

Charlie and I hope you can join us at
3 Atlanta Cove in Clinton
8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27

Please R.S.V.P. if attending so I know how many to prepare for.
(cellsa1@bellsouth.net or (601)708-0266 or by reply here)
Costumes are not required, but are encouraged!

Stealing shamelessly from Lisa

I really like Lisa's "26.2, this one's for you" concept. I have been composing mine and here's what I've come up with. It is long – a marathon long – and probably of little interest to most. It sure was a good exercise, though, to write it all out. Made me realize how very, very blessed I am.

Mile 1 -- My grandson Isaac, my first Grandchild, will get me through the first mile. There's still a long way to go, and I am using that as a metaphor for my life. I want to stay healthy so I have a long life to watch my grandchildren grow up.

Mile 2 -- I am dedicating the second mile to my sister, Jean, because she was just diagnosed with breast cancer and has a long road ahead of her. Jean is a school principal in Tulsa. Jean has had a lot of rough times in her adult life, but I have never known her to be anything but upbeat and positive. This diagnosis of breast cancer is a cruel blow, but in typical Jean style, she's planning a buzz cut and wig party.

Mile 3 – Mile three is for my oldest sister (3rd one born), Mary Ann. She is so much like my Mom it's unreal and maybe a little scary! She has borne most of the responsibility for taking care of our folks as they aged and now, with Dad gone, is the one to take Mom to all her appointments during the week, look in on her daily, fix her meals as needed, etc. Those of us who live close enough rotate through on the weekends to give Mary Ann a break, but she does have a heavy load to bear. Mary Ann is generous and thoughtful and always surprises us with little gifts at Easter, Mother’s Day, Halloween, etc. 17 years ago she lost one of her sons in an automobile accident when he was 17. Her faith in God that pulled her though those dark times is humbling to behold.

Mile 4 -- My sister Linda, the 6th oldest, lives in Atlanta and several years ago lost her husband of 30 years quite suddenly to a dreadful disease. Linda is a great example of someone who has learned to "do it herself" out of necessity and the strength of character it takes to go on after losing the love of her life. Linda and I share a passion for sewing that we hope to turn into a retirement business some day.

Mile 5-- Jane is Jean's twin and they are #4 and #5 on the hit parade of children. Jane, like Linda and my Mom, is a nurse. She came and stayed almost three months with my Dad and then my Mom in 2006, and I got to see first hand what a wonderful nurse she is. She's retired now, but if I ever go to the hospital for a lengthy stay, I want her by my side.

Mile 6 -- My sister Pat is the runner. She was my inspiration for joining MM as I saw what a tremendous impact running has made on her. I am the eighth of nine, and Pat is #7, so we are close in age (but she'll always be older!). I want to be able to run 5 and 10 K runs with Pat. So mile 6, just under 10 K, is dedicated to her.

Mile 7 -- My brother, Bernie's is the second oldest of the kids. He is a Vietnam vet, but never talks about it. Bernie has the most wonderful sense of humor of anyone I know. He owns his own business and works all of the time. I have never seen him angry, although I've been told I don't want to. Bernie has a heart of gold.

Mile 8 -- My brother, Mike is the oldest of the family. He got married in high school and struggled through some of his early twenty's but eventually turned himself around to start his own business and make it a success (and he's still married to his high school sweetheart). He knows more about whatever his current interest is than anyone else in the world and those interests change daily. He's very generous. He bought all us girls bright-colored crocs because one of us was teasing him about buying shoes. He sent us all roses after Dad died.

Mile 9 -- My sister Becky is the "caboose" of the family, the ninth child. She's 6 years younger than me, a bit of a surprise for Mom at age 39! As with all babies, she was spoiled rotten and got away with much, much more than the rest of us did. Becky struggles with controlling her weight and is an insulin-dependent diabetic. I wish she lived in Jackson. Marathon Makeover would change her life.

Mile 10 -- Bryan is my oldest son and will be 31 on October 7. He will be in Chicago with his girlfriend and is bringing an engagement ring to propose. I think he's going to take her to dinner on top of the John Hancock building. Bryan is smarter than me and Charlie combined. I am very proud of him.

Mile 11 -- My son, Mark had Attention Deficit Disorder as a child and there were times I wondered if we'd ever get him through school. But we made it, and he figured out how to compensate and is very successful. He's now 29 years old and happily married. He once told me he was living his dream. How can it get any better than that? His brother once commented that Mark "is the total package". That's a pretty good compliment from his big brother, and very, very true.

Mile 12 -- My friend, Lenora and I got our Ph.D.'s together in 1989 and have been best friends ever since. She went to Seattle for her post doc, and I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me when she left. She's back here now and lives about a quarter mile from me. She's my walking buddy at 5:30 in the morning during the week. I can count on her for anything and trust her with my life and my children’s lives. I could not have a better friend.

Mile 13 -- My brother-in-law, A.D. is Mary Ann's husband. He is a retired policeman. He is the perfect match for my sister and they've been married over 40 years. A.D. would do anything for you and is a great cook.

Mile 14 -- My sister-in-law, Maria is Bernie's wife. She was in the hospital at the same time my Dad and Mom were. She had very severe colitis and eventually had to have her colon removed. I don't know if I could deal with that, but Maria has done great. Some of the credit does go to my brother and how supportive he is and how he's made her feel despite the "appliance" she now has to wear.

Mile 15 -- My brother-in-law, Ronnie, is Becky's husband. He lost his job with Piccadilly cafeterias as regional VP after 30 years with the company, despite being one of the few managers who could and did consistently turn around cafeterias that were under performing. He's now the darling of Luby's and I expect him to be CEO one day. I've learned a lot of leadership lessons from Ronnie who has a VERY straight forward approach in giving people feedback.

Mile 16 -- My former boss, Chuck, was new to our company and brought a breath of fresh air to a pretty stodgy nuclear environment. He did not get reselected for his position when we went through that process in February and left the company. We screwed up letting him go. I thank God he was with our company for as long as he was, as we struck up a pretty good friendship and he and his wife are coming to Chicago to be part of my curb crew. What a guy!

Mile 17 – My daughter-in-law, Tori, is pregnant with my second grandchild and makes my son, Mark, happy. I have heard that sons want to marry “a girl just like the girl that married dear old Dad”. Well, she’s not just like me – in fact we’re different in many ways, but there are some similarities (she’s short, for one thing).

Mile 18 -- I think this will be the hardest mile for me, based on other long mileage days. So I am dedicating this mile to my husband, Charlie -- and NOT because he's a pain. (ha!) I met Charlie at the end of our Freshman year in college at Baylor University. We started dating our sophomore year and he's the only one I ever went out with more than twice. (I went to an all-girls high school, so there wasn't much dating going on). It did not take us long to fall in love and we were married the summer after our Junior year. Charlie joined the Navy and after graduation we got to see some of the U.S. and lived in California, New York, Idaho, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Hawaii. When he would go out to sea on submarines I would be so lonely, but I figured out two things. 1) I could live without him and 2) I did not want to. We have been married for 33 years and Charlie is my strength and my rock. He goes along with all my wild ideas and schemes and never tells me "no". I will be thinking of him and leaning on all he gives me throughout this marathon.

Mile 19 – This one's for all the marathoners that were unable to participate due to injury or other circumstance. I know there are some I don't know about and don't want to leave anyone out, but this one's for Clark, Sheila, Queen, Robin , Carol, and Linda and anyone else who was sidelined due to injury or circumstance. I hope it's not for Scotty and that he's able to run.

Mile 20 -- My soon-to-be daughter-in-law Mari is already a good influence on my son and puts up with his shortcomings – he’s smart, but not perfect! It’s a two caret diamond he’s giving her, not 20, but that’s still pretty big!

Mile 21 -- This one's for all the Marathoners who are out there with me -- most finishing sooner, some later -- all of us finishing, Marathoners one and all.

Mile 22 -- My sister-in-law Jeannie for all the years (twice 22) she has put up with my aforementioned brother, Mike. When I was in high school and my life ambition was to be a hippy, she is the one I confided in. She has been a great sister-in-law and a great daughter-in-law to my parents.

Mile 23 - My brother-in-law, Greg, Jane's husband gets this mile because he's a "late bloomer". He met Jane in college but it took him 23 years to propose and marry her.

Mile 24 – with the finish line in sight, I will be thanking God for all of His blessings. Writing this list and thinking about all the wonderful family and friends reinforces what I know to be true – I am truly blessed.

Mile 25 – This one if for my Mom. Leaving the hospital two days before my Dad died, my Mom fell and broke her hip. She had surgery the day before he died. After her surgery we had to wheel her hospital bed into my Dad's room so she could hold his hand and be with him before he died. She was in such pain, barely able to attend the funeral and had to spend a month in the hospital after he died. Since then she has struggled with an additional hip fracture, a compression fracture of her back, severe and blinding headaches -- and the hits just keep on coming. She continues to strive to get her mobility and independence back. She is 87 years old now and has maintained a strength of spirit and will that is unbelievable. She and Dad were married for 63 years and had 9 children, 18 grand children and 17 great grand children. I have never known my Mom to be anything but elegant and gracious. She is formidible and she knows how to go the distance. She is my hero.

Mile 26 – I dedicate this mile and even the whole marathon to my Dad who died in June, 2006, after a two month hospital stay. The hardest thing I have ever done in my life, way harder than any marathon could ever be, was watch him slip away and breathe his last breath. As he aged, he had a lot of trouble with his feet and it hurt for him to walk much of the time. I know now, a little, of how that felt for him. When I get that finisher’s medal in Chicago I am going to leave it on his grave.

Mile 26.2 – Okay, this one’s for me. It’s enough, because it is all the people listed above that make me who I am, and I truly could not have done it ithout their influence in my life.

This is a picture of my folks and my sisters and brothers (and me) when we celebrated my folks' 60th anniversary. Back row, from left to right, Mike, Bernie, Mary Ann, Jean, Jane. Middle row left to right, Pat, Linda, Becky. My folks are front and center and I am right behind my Dad to the left.


This is a picture of my boys, Bryan (l) and Mark (r) and my Dad.

There ain't no bugs on your rear view mirror

There are so many wonderful blogs out there this week as everyone reflects back on the past months and prepares for the Chicago Marathon. I have cried through many of those blogs as so much of what someone else has said rings true for me, but I have not been able to put together my own words as to how I feel right now.

I have been dealing with some regrets. Mostly that I didn't train harder or push myself more. Being a runner was harder than I thought it would be, and I found I was unwilling to take on Kelvin's mantra of "No Retreats, No Reserves, No Regrets." I don't know that I would call it being satisfied with mediocrity as Matt blogged about not too long ago, but then maybe I am fooling myself. I know that I not satisfied with less than the best out of myself in almost every other endeavor in my life, so why is this different? I don't know, and that's what I have been pondering. I think of the quote on my page about running being a decision every day on whether to be a wimp or be strong. I've been a wimp mostly.

That is not to say I am not pleased with the fact that in a little over one week I will walk 26.2 miles. I just don't feel as proud as I'd like. Looking back I can't help but think I could have/should have done more. I am having problems convincing myself this is a big accomplishment. Before I hear all the protests, intellectually I know it is a big accomplishment, but I can't help but feel a little disappointed. At times I feel embarrassed when I tell someone I am "doing" the Chicago Marathon. I don't even know what verb to use. I feel embarrassed that I am just walking. People ask me ,"How long with that take? When I say, "Probably about 7 hours," I feel stupid.

Please don't get me wrong. I know this is a wonderful, major accomplishment for so many people who are walking the marathon, and I am in NO WAY insinuating that it is anything less than a five star achievement for them. I just expected more of myself, and I don't know why I didn't deliver.

Hindsight is perfect and "if I only knew then what I know now" is a worthless sentiment -- unless you use it to do better next time. So I am internalizing what this has taught me and figuring out what I am going to do with the lessons I'm learning. I guess that's all part of the life changing experience of this Marathon makeover. It has to continue on after the 2007 Chicago Marathon is over.

Okay, enough looking back...

Looking forward, Charlie and I are hosting a Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 8:00 p.m. and everyone is invited. I have the invitations made and will deliver them to Mark if he'd be so kind as to place them on the sign in table at Saturday's run. (I am so sorry that I will not be with the group on Saturday. I do have to go to Shreveport to be with my Mom.)

I'll post the invite here, too. The house will be decorated to the nines, there will be tons of food and drink, and costumes are not required (but are encouraged). I would appreciate an RSVP (cellsa1@bellsouth.net) so I know how many to plan for.

Reflections on 22 miles

I thought I would use yesterday as a gauge on how I would do in the Marathon and figure out whether I needed to leave early, but it wasn't a good gauge. I walked with Jana for about 9 miles at a slower pace than I would normally walk. I'm glad I did that. We had a nice walk together and it was good to get to know her a little better. I am so impressed that after two stress fractures she's still out there trying to complete the marathon. What an inspiration!

I got back across the causeway to the lower half of the course and it had already been over four hours and I had only done 14 miles. So I walked until it was time to head back to make the five hour time limit, but by then I had only done 17 miles. I felt terrible that I had only gone that far. I ate some cinnamon swirl, drank some endurox and headed home. When I got home, though, I felt so guilty that I didn't get in the miles...felt like I HAD to get in the miles.... so I walked another 6 in my neighborhood. That probably wasn't very smart, but I just had to convince myself that I could do the miles...it's going to take me more than five hours, so with this, the last long one before the Marathon, I had to convince myself I could put in the time and the miles. I was pretty slow and sore those six miles, but I did it, and I know I could have done more (4.2 more!)

I felt pretty good today until I tripped over the dog. She was sleeping in the doorway. I tried to step over her, and she decided to get up as I was doing that. I fell on the ceramic tile and hit my knee. I was pretty upset and was afraid to move. All's well, though, I think. I did get a big knot on my shin (not sure how I did that), but the knee's okay. Whew! I was so afraid I had done something really stupid that would take me out of the marathon. So no more dog jumping for me! (Rita wasn't hurt, but she sure felt bad. As I was icing my leg she sat down in front of me with the most pitiful look!)

So I'm still not sure how long the marathon will take me -- more than 6, less than 8. I've decided though that it really doesn't matter too much. I started out with a time goal of 6 1/2 hours -- to average a 15 minute mile, and I know I won't make that. But I also know that I will finish, and that's what I really started out to do. I'd like for it not to take 8 hours, but then, so what if it does? I am just going to do the best I can and be satisfied with that.

I will be in town this weekend and will join the group for the 10 mile run. I will, unfortuneately be out of town the last weekend before the marathon. My other two sisters who rotate with me to stay with my Mom are both busy that weekend, and I could not make other arrangements for someone to be with her.

Grass as high as an elephant's thigh

Or is it an elephant's eye...

Well my grass was thigh high and I was out mowing the yard last night at9 p.m and then again at 6:30 this morning finishing up. It had been a month since we mowed it, I think, with all of our travels.

Speaking of travelling, I am back in Michigan, 100 miles from Chicago. It was 63 degrees this afternoon when I landed and the low tonight is 43. It will get "up" to 72 tomorrow. It is glorious!

I am headed back home tomorrow afternoon and I sure hope that cool front I heard about has arrived or is on it's way for Sat. a.m.

See you guys then!

The price of vacation...

...is more work. But it was worth it!

It has been a tough week and I don't see much relief on the horizon. Work is just all consuming right now.

I'm still getting in my training though with early morning walk/runs (mostly walks) of 3-4 miles. I did 10 on Monday as I didn't get it done in Kansas as I planned. Charlie had to come back to work early, so we left Saturday rather than Sunday.

As we count down to October 7, I have so many different feelings. Pride, worry, contentment, fear, and love just to name a few.

I have gone back through many of the blogs and read back to postings from when we started. Wow, what a change. I think about what many of you have gone through to get to this point, and think about those who fate dealt a bad hand (or foot, or knee as the case may be) and who won't be able to complete this marathon. I am in awe of all of you. Those of you who can't run the course in Chicago but persist in helping us and look forward to the next chance are my heroes. Those of you who didn't give up and worked through an injury where possible are my heroes too. Those of you who just plugged along, showed up and did your training, are no less heroes to me. (Who said "We don't need another hero"!?)

Think about where we started...think about where we are now -- we're about to walk, wog, jog, run 26.2 miles. Holy cow!

I keep thinking about the Bud Light commericial and the phrase "I love you guys" keeps running through my head. (sniff)

My legs are thinner!

They must be! I NEVER wear loose-fitting shorts if I am going to do any walking -- for shopping or anything because they ride up between my legs and I hate that. Today, though, we went to wash the car and I decided to walk home from the car wash to Charlie's folks' house (about a mile). I had on my loose-fitting shorts and THEY DID NOT RIDE UP as I was walking. WOOHOO!

I did walk this morning around town in my running gear. Did 4 miles in 1 hour 2 minutes. The best I have ever done just "walking". The weather was nice -- cloudy and cool and the route was flat. It felt good and NO backache. Will try that again tomorrow. I'm off the schedule with travelling, so even though it's Friday, I'll go 4 miles. I think we're travelling back home on Saturday, so it will be rest day, and I'll do the 10 on Sunday when we get home.

I did it!

.... 20 miles around Denver!

I'd like to say it was fun, but after about 4 miles my back started killing me. Over the course of the 20 mile trek I took 4 advil and never really got any relief. I kept thinking I'd have to call Charlie and have him come get me, then I'd say to myself, "Just go one more mile and see how you feel" and one mile after another I'd say that and eventually got in all 20.

The course I walked took me through downtown Denver, past Coors stadium, through LODO (lower Denver) and then through 3 city parks and several very nice neighborhoods. It was pretty hot when I started as we didn't get downtown until after 9 and it was hot until about noon. I stopped at several 7-11's to get water and stayed well hydrated. I was able to find some shade in the shadows of the downtown Denver buildings. It was pretty hot after that (92) until finally some clouds moved in around 1:00 and it was much more tolerable.

My back hurt so bad after about 11 miles that I lay down in one of the city parks on the grass. I'm embarrassed to say that I think I actually dozed off for about 5 minutes. Gosh, I hope I don't do that in Chicago!

It's a lot more fun to do the mileage where there are turns every couple of miles and a change of scenery-- really helps break up the monotony. I think the miles in Chicago will go by quickly as we take in all the new sights. Wogging through a city is so much different than long stretches across the causeway! Of course, I didn't have the route closed, so had to stop for stop lights and wait on traffic here and there.

If I could do 20 with my back like it was, I can do 26.2. I was very slow and stopped a lot, but I did it, and I just have to figure out why my back bothered me so bad this time. That has not happened before. I sure was miserable -- and mad! Oh, well it's behind me now.

We're leaving Colorado tomorrow to go to Kansas to see Charlie's folks for a few days. His folks live in southwest Kansas -- flat, flat, flat and no altitude. I hope it's not too hot but do intend to wog around his home town a few times. It's four miles to walk all the way around his home town, so for the 10 miler this weekend I'll do that 2 1/2 times.

I have read through some of the blogs about the 20 miles in Jackson. Congrats to everyone! I'll be with the group for the 22 miler. I am going to Shreveport to check on my Mom the weekend after Labor Day and will get in the 10 miles there that weekend and the 10 miles in Kansas this weekend.

Today we took 4-wheelers up to Mosquito Pass (13,185 feet). Rita the wonder dog rode on the back of Charlie's 4-wheeler all the way up and back down. Here's a couple of pictures.

20 miles in Denver

Found the route for the Denver Marathon (which is the week after Chicago) so for my 20 miles I am going to follow that route for the first 20 miles. I will likely do that Sunday as we "have" to babysit our Grandson on Saturday (it's a tough job, but someone has to do it). The Denver route has little elevation change and will wind around through Denver landmarks, so I am pretty excited about it. I'll still be "a mile high" but think that I'll still be able to do the 20.

In looking for the Denver route I found a new website that looks pretty neat -- http://www.mapmyrun.com/

It allows you, like Sanoodi to put in your route, but allows you to annotate it, and log your training on the web.

Oh, and this Saturday in addition to babysitting, we're going to the third annual Colorado "Eggfest" -- a Big Green Egg cookoff. The hosting store has assembled 23 green eggs and will have a cookoff and then they're selling the once-used green eggs at a pretty good discount. So we've already reserved one of the used eggs as we needed a grill out here. I will report back to all interested butts the results of the cookoff. I have no doubt that the butts here will pale in comparison to our two favorite butts.

I'll take mine straight up!

Miles, that is...

Well, we stuck to the mountains today and did a 4.5 mile hike. Weather was nice, fairly cool and the hike was mostly shady. It was 2.6 miles to the highest point -- an elevation gain of about 1200 feet from 7500 to 8700. Okay, that was harder than the Bellhaven hills and now I don't know which is worse, heat or altitude. I did huff and puff on the way up and felt terribly out of shape -- which I know I'm not, but it sure felt like it, and was sort of depressing.

The first shot below was taken about .6 mile from the highest point at an elevation of 8200 feet. We started out on the road below. After the hike on our way home we took a little detour to scope out a possible route for my LSD. We went down this wonderful country road that followed a stream with small waterfalls. The road was in the bottom of a canyon (second shot below) and was mostly downhill. I thought, "I could walk this," until we checked the odometer and the route was only 8 miles -- gosh it sure seemed like longer than that. It was uphill after that, climbing out of the canyon, so we'll have to find something else.















Denver set a record high today -- what's up with that? When I was in New York a few weeks ago, they had a heat wave. It was hot when I was in Michigan, too. Someone's out to get me.

I spoke way too soon!

Well, at least I picked the wrong place, wrong day for 9 miles. I found a state park east of Denver that had a 9 mile trail around a lake and included a wildlife preserve. Sounds perfect, right? Flat, lower altitude (about 5000 feet). Ha! The weather gods decided I should suffer with my MM friends even though I wasn't in Mississippi. What an awful trail and it was HOT! Of course, thinking it was going to be pleasant and shady I didn't start until 11 and by the time I finished I was whipped. There was absolutely NO shade, no breeze and it was 95 degrees. I suspect the humidity wasn't as high, but it was there, and I was miserable. I ran out of water with one mile to go, and that was the longest mile of my life. (Longer even than the first one in Bellhaven!) There was a very long dam on the trail and I guess that's my punishment for missing some of the reservoir runs. Didn't see much wildlife, either -- except one buck wading through a bog.

So I am trying to figure out the 20-miler in the mountains. I don't think I"ll actually go 20 miles, probably won't even go 10, but at altitude and with a lot of climbing, I think I'll get the training in and be on my feet, moving forward for 6 hours or more. The weather up in the mountains is really nice, so I think I'll stick to altitude and suffer being out-of-breath rather than then heat.

So here are some pics from the party. I only got a chance to take a few.

Also posting a pic of the lake I walked around. Nine miles looks really long when you walk all the way 'round something this big!

Ah....

It's 65 degrees, low humidity and I think I have died and gone to heaven!

In reality, though, I am in Colorado. We left after work Thursday night and drove all night and got to my son's Friday afternoon. Got to play with my grandson, have dinner with both sons and daughter-in-laws and then we headed to the cabin.

Woke up this a.m. to a cool , yes, cool, breeze, deer in the yard, and a hummingbird demanding some food. We'll be here for two weeks and now I know how great retirement is going to be!

The weeks since the party until we left for vacation were weeks from hell. I was faithful to the mileage, getting up at 5:00 a.m. to walk/run with my neighbor and the dog and did the 9 miles from my Mom's in Shreveport (didnt' get lost in the subdivision this time!). I am planning on doing the 9 miles tomorrow and I need today to figure out what trail I want to do and also need a little R&R today.

I have some major projects due this fall, so I've been working until 8 or later in the evenings, even until midnight a couple nights this week before we left, so I have neglected my XT and biking to work. The next few months are going to be very busy and hard, and I am worried about getting everything done that has to be done. I will not, however, let work screw up the Marathon training or the trip to Chicago. Everything else might suffer, but not that.

I know everyone is suffering with the heat and humidity. I wish you all could get the break that I'm getting right now. It sure helps bolster the confidence and increase the enthusiasm for our adventure. Of course, being on vacation, no matter where, does that.

As soon as I get my electronic act together I'll post the few pictures I took at the butt cookoff. I just have to get the card reader set up for the PC here at the cabin. It's nice to have a little time to do stuff like that.

I hope that the weather in the gulf will help cool things off a little, maybe bring some rain for you guys. I will be back in Clinton Labor Day and will go to Shreveport the following weekend. Then I'll be with the group for the 22 miles on the 15th (can't wait ;)

Mark's blog made me feel guilty that I haven't done more Saturdays with the group. Most of them were beyond my control, but I have to admit to a few Saturdays to making the decision to go it alone from my house. I'm sorry for that.

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who came to the party tonight. You all are such a special group and I was so happy to see everyone. My sweet husband, Charlie, commented on what a fun group this is.

For those of you who could not make it, we missed you and you missed the great butt cookoff. Lots of good food and Clark, aka Dr. Butt, won the competition, so he had/has/is the best butt.
I didn't get very many pictures, but Mandy and others did, so I hope to see some posted soon.

Proud of everyone who completed the 18 miles. I know I felt really bad yesterday whenI finished and wondered how I'd ever get another 8 miles in Chicago. But having heard all the comments tonight about how everyone "suffered" the 18 miles and slowed down, I felt a little better. I'll be in Colorado the weekend of the 20 miler, but as it stands now I"ll actually be in town for the 22 mile run in September. I am hoping we get a little break in the weather by then and am looking forward to being able to participate with the group.

Party! Saturday, August 4

Out of the funk ...into the countdown

Well, I am so happy there are only three, yes, count them, three, long mileage days left before the Marathon. Of course, they're doozies -- 18, 20 and 22 miles -- but there's just THREE LEFT! Isn't it funny how the "short" 9 and 10 mile Saturdays in between don't hardly even seem like much of an effort?!

I will be in Colorado the weekend of the 20 miles -- planning on a 6-8 hour hike, whatever miles that ends up being, to count for that day.

I am out of town more weekends than not these days, and I am off every other Friday, which works out right now to the weekend with the long distances. So I've been walking on Friday morning and then making my trek to Shreveport. So I have missed seeing everyone ever since the half marathon.

I did the 16 from my house on Friday. I was hot, tired and sore when I got done but it sure was a good feeling when I was through! I am wondering, though, how I'm ever going to be able to do anything in Chicago after the marathon other than crashing in the bed and sleeping! Maybe adrenaline and pride will be enough to keep me awake and able to walk to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner on Sunday.

So, the party at my house on the 4th of August is on. I am making sure that one of my sisters goes to Shreveport that weekend to stay with my Mom, so I can stay home. I will probably, though, walk on Friday the 3rd as I don't think I can do 18 miles on Saturday and host a party Saturday night. I will come by the Rez on Saturday morning, though, and make sure everyone has a map to the house. I'll also get Mark to send one out the group next week.

I know that I have not been one of the more visible people in the group. It is not been by choice, but by circumstance. However, I faithfully read everyone's blogs, and am so proud to be part of this effort and to have made the friends that I have. I am looking forward to the party to making even more. (I will have name tags, because I, at least, still need them!)

...but I don't want to....

Back in March, I blogged about being in "the house of pain" (stage two) as we move through stages associated with training for the marathon. I find I am now in stage three. I am a little more "competent" at wogging -- I can handle the distances and the weather. BUT I am not as committed. (Or maybe I should be committed for ever agreeing to do this.) I am still sticking with the training program. I'm wogging the miles and time as expected. I am still riding my bike for XT. I'm just not very happy about it. I don't know if it's the heat or what, but I suspect it's the time commitment on Saturdays. It is difficult to get up at 4 a.m. on my day off! It is difficult to spend hours in the heat, humidity or perhaps the pouring rain. It is not that difficult physically, but it is difficult mentally. I just don't really want to do it. I guess that's as blunt as I can get.

All of this is not to say I want to or will quit. I will not quit! I will be at that starting line in Chicago in October. I can even say if I had to do it over again, I would (I think). I have met many new friends, I have lost 30 pounds, I can run (some) and I have wogged 15 miles all at once! Wow! So that's what I have to keep telling myself. All of the benefits of this endeavor have been worth the time and discomfort.

So I need to quit whining and complaining.

After not doing XT last week when I was travelling, I did bring my bike today to ride home from work. I've even inspired a couple of people I work with to ride to work a couple times a week. I just hope it doesn't rain this afternoon.

I have been looking at the calendar, and I'd like to try to host a party with the MMers on August 4 after the 18 miles. Anybody up for that? It would be a covered disk and BYOB as after the half marathon. I will post the proposed date on the bulletin board to get feedback. Maybe we need another get together to charge us up for the last two months of training. I will be out of town four weekends after the 4th, so that's the best time for me unless we want to wait until after the 22 miles. I feel like I need a party before then!

Greetings from Vermont!

I know it's been a while since I've posted or commented on others' blogs. I have been reading everyone's blogs and it sounds like the "run in the rain" was fun. Sorry I missed it. I am afraid I will miss several more as my life is getting really hectic now - and doesn't look like it's going to let up any time soon.

I am sitting in a hotel in Vermont tonight...having made a whirlwind tour of our Nuclear plants in the the Northeast. My job has expanded from being resposible for leadership training for our nuclear plants in the South (Ark, LA, Miss) to being responsible for all of our plants -- and we have two in NY, one in MA, one in VY and one in MI.

I started this trip by flying into Syracuse, NY and visited our plant it Oswego on Monday, drove to our plant in eastern NY near NYC on Tuesday, then to Plymouth, Mass, and then to Vermont today. Will fly home on Friday. I'll go to Michigan in a couple of weeks.

I have worked in MOST of my training. I did the 15 miles on Friday from my house as I was going out of town to see my Mom on Friday afternoon. I did not get rained on, but it was pretty hot. I wogged in Oswego Monday night and in Little Neck, NY this morning. I did miss exercising on Tuesday. I will walk in the morning before my meeting starts. I don't know if I'll make the group run on Saturday -- I'll have to see how I feel once I get back home.

I was so looking forward to some cool weather up here, and wouldn't you know the heat followed me up and they're in the middle of a heat wave. It did rain today on my way to Vermont, and I think a cool front is moving in -- so maybe I'll have a day or two of cooler weather.

I am ready to come home. It is so fast-paced up here. I like the slower, more "genteel" culture of the South. Plus, the traffic isn't nearly as bad -- even on County Line Road!

Been there, done that -- but where's my T-shirt?

Well, I decided since I'm going to my Mom's again tonight that I'd just go ahead and get the 8 miles in this a.m. before work. I can remember when we did the Cannonball 10K ( I never did get my t-shirt from that) plus 2 miles and that 8 miles seemed ALOT longer than the 8 miles this a.m.!

I am glad I'm done -- I basically took yesterday off (other than the bike ride to work), so I'll wog Sat. a.m in Shreveport, but just for 45-55 minutes. That way I can get done before my Mom gets up and we start our day.

The next weekend when we do 15 miles, I'll also be out of town and am thinking of trying to get those miles on Friday as well. I just have to figure out a safe route with some shade from my house in Clinton.

I was able to bike from and to work each week in June! Only got in two days instead of four each week, but it feels good to get in some bike time. I will likely do the 30 mile ride in Clinton on the 4th -- it's an XT day anyway.

Hope everyone has a good run this weekend.

The Ode

Thanks to all contributors. In order to help make the ode flow I took a few liberties with some submissions -- mostly just to put in first person or add a word or two to help with meter. I tried not to change the intent or basic content of anyone's contribution. This is quite a masterpiece. Thanks to everyone who added to the ode. Seems like good karma to have it ready for the half marathon!

I Am a Marathoner
By the 2007 Marathon Makeover Team

Up at dawn to beat the heat
I try to ignore the pain in my feet.
Prep for the run with a bit of stretching;
Don’t eat too much for fear of retching.

Up at four, he's out the door.
I know he wishes he could just sleep some more.
But Matt is there to help with set ups –
He promises not to forget the cups … again.

Marathon Makeover – I started from the couch,
I soon would begin to say daily, “Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
How will my body know what to do
As I increase the mileage two by two?

Mark says “If the motion is forward, it’s a run.”
Surely you don’t call this torture fun?
Out before sun-up if I want to be cool,
Otherwise I’ll sweat a whole, big pool.

Labored breathing, pounding heart,
And that happens before I even start!
Some days this seems too much to bear,
The heat and humidity and wet, dripping hair.

Hydration, Hydration the ultimate rule,
I don’t even mind that I smell like a mule.
In January, 10:00 a.m. was so early!
Now that it’s June, that’s mid-day girlie!

Race ready shorts are just about right
With pockets to stash whatever I might.
But, if they’re too heavy and the crowd I do moon
I fear they’ll all be laughing, quite like a loon.

Tech clothes I wear with silver threads,
And a very cool visor sits on my head.
Just the right shoes and soft, seamless socks
Are things that I need to run and to rock.

Some run in shorts, others in skirts,
To beat the heat, not to be flirts.
I really do hate red burning thighs;
It really does kill my runner's high.

Garmin, Polar, Ironman are all the rage.
What I have on my IPod might tell my age.
Body Glide keeps the chafing at bay,
And gels, beans and GUs keep the bonk away.

Gasping for breath, it hardly seems fair,
But mouth breathers, beware, there are bugs in the air!
And mosquitoes in flight, I constantly fight
And itch and scratch at their nasty little bites.

One mile, two miles, three miles, four,
Gotta keep going or I'll hit the floor,
My neck, my back, it's not feeling nice,
I'll be so thankful for that tub of ice.

Tired of running, feet feeling heavy
Don't want to run the lake and levee.
But, if I'm telling the truth, I’d have to say
I'd rather run both than the #@*%# reservoir causeway!

Gotta keep going but, oh, my knee!
Am I the only one who has to pee?
I'll stop for a minute but no more,
It's stuck, oh no, the bathroom door!

Quick! Somebody! I need a map!
Made a wrong turn, ran an extra lap!
Oh this is dreadful, it's such a shame,
I can't find the direction from whence I came!

Up and down the hills I run,
Seldom have I had so much “fun.”
They say Chicago is really flat.
Do I HAVE to run hills to prepare for that?

Help me Lord it seems so far.
Will I ever make it back to the car?
Oh my feet, my ankles, my legs, the HEAT,
But I will not accept defeat.

Will this running ever get easier?
If I don't hydrate, I'll be queasier!
They tell us that we must carbo load,
If I eat any more, I will explode!

Lots of good carbs from Great Harvest bread.
That after-run snack can revive the dead.
Challa, white chocolate cherry or cinnamon swirl –
I’ll just eat a little, though, so I don’t hurl.

February was cold and my snot did freeze,
But come July, I’ll kill for a breeze.
All that sweat, you’d think I’d lose,
But as with many, I’ve the “gained weight blues.”

Some of the days I really feel cursed.
Thank God for the humor of Nissannurse!
My feet! My back! My legs! They ache!
Why do I run, for goodness sake?

Ooh, my clothes and shoes do reek!
Did I wash my bra this week?
Ouch! It hurts, that chafing thing
From sports bras, shorts and other things.

My friends all think that I'm insane,
Especially on Saturdays when I'm in pain.
They ask me out to have some fun,
I say, "No thanks, I've got to run!"

Friends listen to my whining
Even during our evening of dining.
Encouraging words from everyone
Makes recovery so much fun.

What all is this makeover really for?
Our body, our mind, and so much more.
The friends we have made will last a long time,
And our health will now be just fine.

Mark and Robin upped the bar,
Who else could make us run so far?
Matt’s cute and funny, Scotty’s fast,
Without them we would never last!

As I continue to add to this saga
I think, “It’s such fun to be a marathon blog-ahh.”
I have more energy now than I've had in years.
Thanks Fearless Leaders, to them 3 cheers!

Who knew we’d all become such good friends?
Encouraging each other to do stretches and bends!
We share successes, pains, and even SMELLS!
We could publish a book from our blog tales!

By Southwest to Chicago I’ll head
Leaving behind that feeling of dread.
My Marathon goal is only to complete
With all the whipper-snappers, I can’t compete.

When will October ever arrive?
I can only hope that I'll still be alive.
And when I cross that line with a smile,
I'll stop and think, “This has all been worthwhile!"

I’m not the same person I was when I started –
Couch potato dearly departed.
I've traded the junk food, TV, and naps
For pounding the pavement and following a map.

Marathon Makeover is our identity.
It's all about US, not just about ME.
We share, we care, and shed a few tears,
But crossing that LINE will bring many CHEERS!

We are all improved in body and mind,
Learning more about ourselves, it’s about time!
Pushing ourselves each Saturday to go longer
To keep to the course, to learn to be stronger.

I joined this craze to make myself smaller
Never imagined it would make me feel taller
Too scared to be confident, too new to be proud,
But I hear myself whisper, "I'm a marathoner now.”

Success is steady progress toward one's personal goals

It has been a good training week. I actually rode my bike home from work on Wed. and back into work this a.m. Did that last week as well with no flats or other adventures.

I decided to go to the Healthplex Tues and Thurs evening rather than the Ridgeland track. 96 degrees is just too hot to run laps. The 70ish temp in the Healthplex is so much better. Last night at the Healthplex I was actually able to run 3 minutes without stopping or walking. My workout plan was 5 minute brisk walk warmup followed by [90 second jog, 90 second walk, 3 minute jog, 3 minute walk] then repeat [jog/walk] set two more times.

So three minutes is pretty close to a quarter mile for me. Three weeks ago I could not run a quarter mile without stopping. Last week I could do one set and last night I did three sets. Hey, I might actually be able to run a whole mile before the summer is over. I must admit that I have really had my doubts lately that I would ever be able to run more than a minute. Now I think I might actually be able to join my sister on a 5K run one day.

I am not sure what this will all mean for the Marathon -- how much will be run vs walked, but I'm pleased with my progress for the most part. (wish it was a little faster, but I guess that's what age does to you.) I would be tickled pink if I could get to where running three minutes then walking one or even two is comfortable for me for the Marathon. We'll see what the summer brings!


"Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb." -- Winston Churchill

How hot was it?

It was so hot on Saturday that:

• the birds had to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
• farmers fed their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard-boiled eggs.
• the cows were giving evaporated milk.
• the trees were whistling for the dogs.
• my greatest jogging fear was, "What if I get pass out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
• I realized that asphalt has a liquid state.
• I saw a dog chasing a rabbit...and both were walking.
• I broke into a sweat the instant I stepped outside at 5:30 a.m.

Sorry I wasn't able to join the group Saturday. Will be out of town this Saturday, too. I will be with the group for the half marathon, though, and am looking forward to seeing everyone.

If it's this hot in June, yikes, I hate to think what August will bring!

Thanks to all the contributors to the "ode". I've reposted the latest version on the message board and will leave it up a few more days before "finalizing" it. It's truly becoming a masterpiece!

Hope everyone has a good training week.

Adventures in biking

For the past two weeks I have been trying to start biking to and from work some as I blogged earlier. The planets have not aligned to make this happen. First time I tried I got a flat after 2 miles. Had to walk back to the office and get the car and just drove home as I didn't have a spare tube or pump with me.

Second time I tried, I got 12 miles before the bottom dropped out of the sky. I was one drowned rat. Thank heavens for good friends who will drop everything and come pick you up -- and bring a towel! Had planned to ride in to work the next morning, since my car was still at work, but had another flat.

Okay, so now I have a new tire, am carrying a spare tube and air cartride with me, so I brought my bike to work today and hope to ride home tonight and back in to work tomorrow. With any luck, the air will stay in my tires and the cars off my back.

Remember to share the road!

Bring on the Body Glide!

Heat, sweat, fat, friction...Ouch!

Did my 11 miles in Shreveport on a nice trail that follows the Red River for about 5 miles. Up and back, and a little extra. For some reason I got some severe chafing under my left arm. First time that's happened...same clothes I always wear, but I'm wondering if I've lost some inches in my arms and chest that made the fabric looser and more prone to chafe. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Running alone

I know that one of the benefits of the MM group is making friends and having someone to train with in a "cross motivational" environment. I am finding, though, that I train better alone.

I either get stressed out trying to keep up, or I hold back and don't do as well as I possibly could when I am with someone else. I feel very guilty if I feel like I have kept somene else from "running their race" if they run with me as I am slow and don't have much running stamina yet. On the other hand, I might slow down if I'm with someone perceived to be slower than me (not too many of those folks out there!) and I don't run as much.

It seems when I am alone I can "do my thing" -- run when I feel like it, walk when I feel like it, set the pace I am comfortable with. I just can't help but feel that I am imposing on someone else when I try to partner up.

I am the same way when I bike with my husband. He's so much faster than me, I really feel guilty when he stays with me as I know he doesn't get the workout he'd get if I weren't along. In some ways it's good as I try to "go faster" but generally, it just stresses me out.

Now, socially, it's is an entirely different proposition. I love to interact with people and look forward to all the social opportunities and getting to know new people. The night at Macaroni Grill was great, and I enjoyed the opportunity to know Micah, Sheila, Stephanie, Matt, Clark, Jana, Robin and Mark a little better. I hope we do that more often. I am still planning on a get-together at my house -- probably in early August. Post marathon, I always throw a Halloween party and the whole group will be invited.

So all of this said, I still want to meet Kelvin at the track on Tues and Thursday. I just want him to feel like he can run the way he wants and leave me behind. I still look forward to seeing folks on Saturday and perhaps partnering up for some of the mileage. I just hope folks will understand, though, if I lag behind or get ahead and will recognize I just need to "do my thing."

Mama's got a new pair of shoes!

I love to cycle and want to build my base miles. I'm just not too motivated on Sundays, though, after that LSD on Saturday. So, I have decided to ride my bike to and from work a few days a week, but I still want to go to the Ridgeland track to wog after work on Tues and Thurs. So, I needed a pair of shoes at home and a pair to keep in the car. Time to go shopping!

When I got my first pair of running shoes at Fleet Feet I was shocked to get a size 11! I mean I wear an 9 dress shoe and think that is PLENTY BIG ENOUGH! With the 11s it looks like I have boats on my feet. I must say, though, after over 200 miles I love those size 11s. So when I went today to get a second pair, I just went straight for the 11s -- to heck with vanity! I just have to face the fact that I have BIG FEET. (We won't mention what bra size I had to get!)

So, I've devised this plan:
Monday morning -- Wog 3-4 miles in a.m before work. Drive to work with bike on back of car and a change of clothes for work on Tuesday, biking clothes and gear, and running duds (and shoes) for Tuesday evening.
Monday evening -- bike home (19 miles -- long way home to get in a few extra miles).
Tuesday a.m. -- bike to work (14 miles -- direct route). Shower and change into work clothes stored in car.
Tuesday p.m. -- Change to running duds stored in car, drive to Ridgeland and wog. Drive home with bike on back of car.
Wed. a.m. -- sleep in a little. Drive to work with bike on back of car and a change of clothes for work on Thursday, biking gear, and running duds for Thursday evening.
Wed. p.m. -- bike home as on Monday p.m.
Thursday a.m. -- bike to work as on Tuesday a.m.
Thursday p.m. -- Run at Ridgeland as on Tuesday p.m.
Friday -- OFF
Saturday -- LSD
Sunday -- Recovery walk

Hopefully this is not too much...I feel good on a bike and it's a fairly easy ride to and from work. I have not increased any running time, just bike time. A couple summers ago I was riding to and from work almost every day. This plan just has me riding one way four days a week. Of course, I have business travel and some weeks won't be able to. I did bring my bike today, though and will ride home and then ride back tomorrow morning. Can't do it on Wed., though as I have to go to Arkansas.

Travelling is hard on the training schedule

No misadventures on my trip to Albany. I got in a brisk walk for 2 miles Monday before I left and then Tues evening I wogged 3 miles around Albany College -- sure felt old seeing all those young, energetic college students! The weather was nice, though -- a little warm, but low humidity. Wednesday was spent travelling back home after a half day meeting, so no XT :(
Tonight I headed to the Ridgeland track, expecting to really be able to run the straights and get in a good 4 miles. It was such a pretty evening, but I felt horrible and only managed to walk 3 miles with very little running. Kelvin was there and I feel like I really held him backas he was a nice guy and stayed with me. Sorry, Kelvin!

Just feel blah...no energy, queasy stomach, generally yucky. Glad tomorrow is a rest day. Hoping to be raring to go on Saturday!

There was an article in People mag about some women who had lost 100 or more pounds -- they all, it seemed, took up running as their exercise! At any rate when I looked at their diet plan, I thought, oh....I really need to do better at the eating part of this makeover!

So, I'm thinking about trying Nutrisystem out for a month to see if I can kick start my weight loss again. Seem to have stopped at 20 lbs. I know I am not eating right, but just can't seem to get motivated to do that. I'm kind of a picky eater -- only like the stuff that's full of fat or sugar -- LOL! I have used Nutrisystem in the past with good, although temporary, results. Maybe the combination of Nutrisystem and all this exercise will really get me going on my 100 pound goal. Who knows one day I might be on the cover of People magaize -- LOL alot!

Lost in Shreveport and other adventures

Sure missed everyone Saturday. It was lonely out there by myself, but I did wog 9.5 miles.
It started off pretty rough, though. I wogged the first mile around the block by my Mom's so I could come in and go to the bathroom before starting out for the place they were holding the 5K. That worked as expected, except I had on race-ready shorts...forgot that my cell phone was in the back pocket and proceeded to drop it in the commode. #$%^&!! YUK!

So now, I don't have a cell phone to use. Oh, well. Turns out my sweet, sweet husband had already ordered me a new cell phone for Mother's day. He must be clairvoyant!

I proceed back out, headed out of Mom's subdivision to get on the main road that will take me up to the 5K. I got on the wrong street...wogged 1.5 miles out of my way and knew that I would be late for the 5K start. As I am headed back to get on the right street, I saw my husband on his bike with the dog running along side. He said I looked like somene with Alzheimer's wandering in the neighborhood. I would have hit him, but he agreed to get the car and give me a ride to the event.

So, I got to the event on time. The 5K was to benefit a residential home (Holy Angels) for the mentally and physically handicapped. It was a great turnout and a lot of fun. The route was through a very nice neighborhood. There were these two ladies in front of me, and I guess they got it in their heads that they were going to "beat me". Everytime I ran , they ran. If I got within 5 yards of them, they ran. I suppose it could have been coincidence, but they kept looking over their shoulders, seemingly to see what I was doing. Don't know why...I didn't know them. But I kept in mind that we need to run our own race, so I did what I could and did not try to get ahead of them (although it was somewhat tempting!)

Along the course there was a two piece jazz combo playing in one of the yard about a mile in and another 6 piece band playing in another yard at mile two. Then when you got back to Holy Angels there was a band, and food and drinks galore. I didn't stick around as I still had to walk back to Mom's to get in the mileage, but did get a banana and some gatorade. Next year I'll get in the other miles FIRST so I can stay after the 5K and enjoy the party. I'm also going to get some of my sisters (I have 6) to do it with me!

I got lost, again, coming back to Mom's. I have no sense of direction. Turns out I left through the side of the Holy Angels property and didn't realize it. Fortuneately there was a policeman directing traffic and she set me straight. Even with my misadventures, by the time I walked back to my Mom's house, I was still a mile short (since I rode in the car to the event rather than wogging as I had planned), so I walked around her neighborhood.

The first 5.8 miles was a pretty fast pace for me -- just under 90 minutes. The walk back to Mom's was a little slower (18 minute mile), but I felt pretty good until the last mile or so when my hips started to hurt -- and my back. I've been cyling on XT days, but think that I might have to start doing some weight machines -- particulary for the back. I don't usually have back problems, but last Saturday in Raymond and then this Saturday as I got to the last mile or two my back started bothering me.

Today was great. A nice Mother's day with my Mom, 4 of my sisters and one of my brothers. Got back from Shreveport around 6 and even worked in a 12 mile bike ride.

Headed to Albany, NY tomorrow, but will be back Wed. night. Should be able to get in the miles at the hotel fitness facility.

Hope everyone has a safe week. See you on Saturday.

Wagging away 20 pounds in 200 miles

On March 27, I had walked 100 miles since the end of January. That took 2 months. Now less than 6 weeks later I've wagged (more walk than jog!) another 100 -- and I've lost 20 pounds since we started. Feeling pretty good!

I was such a wimp on Saturday, though. I wogged with Amy Ward and we did 40 second jog, 2 minute walks for 5 miles. When we started up that last hill, though, I was whipped. Put a fork in me! So I walked the last mile. To Amy's credit, though, she plugged on with the intervals. I am really proud of her, and thank her for letting me be her running buddy on Saturday. I am a little disappointed in myself that I didn't push on through with the intervals to the end.

After the 10K, I walked through town and headed to Clinton up Clinton-Raymond Road. My husband picked me up along the way, so I was able to get in the extra two miles, but did not do the hills again on the Port Gibson Road.

My hips sure were sore that day and the next, but are okay now. Going to head to the Ridgeland track tonight to wog. Want to be able to keep up with Amy, so I think I need to work on increasing my running interval.

Won't be with the group this Saturday. Will be in Shreveport visiting my Mom. There is a 5 K run about 2.5 miles from her house, so I plan to wog to the event, wog the event and probably walk home . That, plus the starting mile around the block to "take care of business," will get me the 9 miles. Geez that seems like a long way!

Hope everyone has a good week.

Patience of Job...and a sore hamstring

Thanks to Kelvin I really got a good workout yesterday. I met up with him at Ridgeland High and wogged 4 miles. Kelvin showed me how to jog the straights and walk the curves of the track. He was very patient with me, and I was a bit of a wimp on some of the circuits. He claims that I didn't hold him back because he was struggling with his hammy, but I'm not so sure. I do appreciate the workout buddy, though. First time, other than one of our first Saturday walks in Clinton that I've had someone to workout with.

Running the track was nice! No hills and there was a bathroom very close by which, per usual, I had to take advantage of after a mile.

When I got home to check the Garmin I found I had actually run two of the miles! Woohoo!. I can sure feel it in my legs today! Glad it's a day off.

Looking forward to tomorrow. So what's the plan? Do we just blow on through the finish and continue on for another couple of miles? What's the route?

I'm baaaack!

.... but I'd rather still be in Colorado!


It was a perfect weekend. The weather was gorgeous, and Isaac is adorable. Got to spend all day Saturday with him, and we had a blast. Evidently we just missed 2 feet of snow on Monday, but by Friday it was all but gone.

Saw lots of wildlife including a beautiful fox (didn't have my camera handy) and a herd of 10 deer who meandered through our yard (did have my camera.) In fact on Monday morning as I was dusting and vacuuming the house, I looked up to see a deer looking in the window at me! Then she stamped her foot at me, trying to get me to go away. Pretty cheeky!

Did not run while I was up there. Too hard to breathe just walking! We walked a little on Saturday, but my husband was carrying Isaac in a backpack so we didn't go too far. On Sunday, though, after the kids left we walked 6.55 miles. I am counting the fact that we descended 400 feet, and then had to walk back uphill those same 400 feet (8100 feet to 8500 feet) as running and figuring the altitude climb surely is worth the .45 miles to make 7! In fact, with all the uphill and down hill our total ascent was 1700 feet! I sure was out of breath! I was surprised, too, my thighs felt very "mushy"and by 5 miles felt the "bonk." I think, if I'm going to be able to hike in the mountains like we'd like, I'll have to start cross training on the stair master.

Fortunately, I bought a Camelback "Alterra" water belt as I sure got thirsty -- all that breathing through my mouth in the dry air! It's pretty nice, and I recommend it to anyone who is doing long mileage without available water stops. It fits against the small of your back and holds 24 oz. You drink through a tube that clips on the front of the belt. Wish we had brought a power bar or something to eat, though.

I didn't get any exercise in yesterday -- unless you count lugging the carry-on through the Denver and Houston airports -- but did do 4 miles today so I'm back on track.

I have missed you guys and am glad I am here this Saturday for the Cannonball Run and the additional miles. I'll be trading altitude for humidity, and I am not sure which is worse!

When worlds collide

When the scientist in me (Ph.D. in Microbiology) meets the adult educator in me (Manager, Leadership Development) meets the person who want to be physically fit (Marathoner), you get something like my last blog. Boring!

I really hate that I missed last Saturday and now will miss this one as well. However, I will be in Colorado, seeing my grandson for only the second time since he was born last October, so I am not really complaining!

I will walk in the mountains on Saturday. It'll be interesting to see how I do in the altitude. It's a five mile down hill road from our house to the main highway, (8300 feet above sea level) so I'll probably try to run some of 3.5 miles downhill, then walk back uphill. Huff, puff !!

My first grandchild! Isaac

Our home in Colorado

Lub dub, lub dub....

I know that some of us ladies are complaining about not losing weight and I offer the following as a possible reason.


Please be forewarned!
1) I am not an exercise physiologist and much of what follows is what I have read and believe to be true, but I have had no formal training on the subject. However, I did read it on the internet so it must be true, right?! (and I've stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.)
2) I might be boring as "all get out" and this may be way TMI. Sorry if it is.


One persistent myth about exercising to lose weight is that low-intensity exercise--working at less than 55 percent of your maximum heart rate (MHR)--is the best way to burn fat. While your body is burning a greater percentage of calories from fat when your heart rate is lower, the overall number of calories you expend during a workout is what counts. So, for example, exercising for 30 minutes at 50-60% MHR generally consumes about 220 calories during a 30 minute workout. If you exercise for 30 minutes at 75% MhR, ~330 calories are burned. At the lower heart rate, 50% of 220 calories are fat (110 calories) and at the higher heart rate, 33% of 330 calories (110 calories) are fat. Same fat amount, right? But more calories. AND a study in the journal Metabolism-Clinical and Experimental suggests post-workout calorie burn through increased metabolism lasts three times longer (up to 10 1/2 hours!) for those who work out at 75 percent of their maximum heart rate than for those who coast at 50 percent.

To get a better idea of your actual maximum heart rate, the researchers now recommend the following formulas: (Males: 214-(0.8*age); Females: 209-(0.7*age).

I am 54 (yes, I know it's hard to believe, but true!). So by the above formula my max heart rate is 172.

The next step is to determine the training zones. It's not quite as simple as just taking a percent of your MHR. You calculate the zones are by taking into consideration your Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) and your Resting Heart Rate (RHR).

These training zones are calcuted with the following formula:

Subtract your resting heart rate (RHR) from your maximum heart rate (MHR) giving your working heart rate (WHR)
Calculate the desired zone as a percent of the WHR giving "Z"
Add "Z" and your RHR together to get the final zone value.
Example: My max heart rate is 172 and my resting heart rate is 60. So to determine the 75% value:

WHR= MHR - RHR = 172 - 60 = 112
Z= 75% of 112 = 84
Target HR = Z + RHR = 84 + 60 = 144 bpm

Better yet, get a program to calculate the heart rates in the different zones for you.

If you're not bored and/or confused read on to learn about training zones. If you are bored and/or confused, I'm sorry. I just can't help myself, sometimes.

The Energy Efficient or Recovery Zone - 60% to 70%
Training within this zone develops basic endurance and aerobic capacity. All easy recovery running should be completed at a maximum of 70%. Another advantage to running in this zone is that while you are happily fat burning you may lose weight and you will be allowing your muscles to re-energise with glycogen, which has been expended during those faster paced workouts.

The Aerobic Zone - 70% to 80%
Training in this zone will develop your cardiovascular system. The body's ability to transport oxygen to, and carbon dioxide away from, the working muscles can be developed and improved. As you become fitter and stronger from training in this zone it will be possible to run some of your long weekend runs at up to 75%, so getting the benefits of some fat burning and improved aerobic capacity, and the benefit of a more sustained increase in metabolism.

The Anaerobic Zone - 80% to 90%
Training in this zone will develop your lactic acid system. In this zone, your individual anaerobic threshold is found - sometimes referred to the point of deflection (POD). During these heart rates, the amount of fat being utilised as the main source of energy is greatly reduced and glycogen stored in the muscle is predominantly used. One of the by-products of burning this glycogen is lactic acid. There is a point at which the body can no longer remove the lactic acid from the working muscles quickly enough. This is your anaerobic threshold or POD. Through the correct training, it is possible to delay the POD by being able to increase your ability to deal with the lactic acid for a longer period of time or by pushing the POD higher.

The Red Line Zone 90% to 100%
Training in this zone will only be possible for short periods. It effectively trains your fast twitch muscle fibres and helps to develop speed. Only the very fit are able to train effectively within this zone, and only for short intervals.

For those of you who are still with me, here's some REALLY GOOD news for women:

In studying interval training, researchers found that women who interspersed intervals in their workout, where they would get their heart rate into the aerobic zone, lost 3 times more weight as other women who exercised regularly at a continuous pace for 40 minutes. The women in the study were said to have lost weight mainly from their legs and buttocks. Burn, baby, burn!

So now we know the method in Mark's madness. Ten weeks of muscle building through low impact walking. Now start some running intervals, get the heart rate up, and you'll start to see the weight loss if you're not overeating. That's why it takes three months!

I try to get my heart rate into the aerobic zone for at least 20 minutes a day (except of course, Fridays.) Since I have been doing that, I have seen the scales start to go down at a more rapid pace than they did in the first 8-9 weeks of training.

Rain, rain go away!

I know we needed the rain, but....
I was all dressed, took the dog for a short walk and it was thundering and lightening "a storm" so I chickened out and decided not to drive all the way over to the rez just to find out we weren't walking.
I will get my 5 miles in later today -- even if I have to go to the Healthplex and walk the indoor track.

I missed last Sat., now this Sat., and will miss the next two as I am travelling. I will be faithful to the miles, but will miss seeing everyone.

As we start to jog, I am reading a lot of frustration. Trust me it will get better. I felt the same way as you and still have doubts, but I know that I am getting stronger and building endurance. Just do what intervals you can and then the next time try to do a couple of more. Before you know it, you'll be adding time to your intervals. I am just up to one minute run (slow jog) one minute walk x10, but two weeks ago I sure couldn't run for a minute, much less repeat it 10X. Be consistent, push a little each time and you'll be surprised how fast your endurance builds. I am finding that I go back and forth between my legs giving out first or my lungs and heart rate. As I up the interval time, my legs feel like lead, then as they get stronger my heart rate and lungs protest. Eventually, though, they catch up and I am able to run longer. Then as I take the next step increase, it seems like the cycle starts again. Keep a journal of what you're doing. You will see improvement each time. You'll get there!

Am not sure if I'll be at the Run from the Sun tonight. Sort of playing it by ear, as my husband has been working very long days for the past few weeks. I'm not sure yet if he's home tonight, so if he is, I will stay home with him.

Setting Marathon Goals

I am looking forward to getting the schedule going forward to see how we'll start incorporating running into our training regimen. I have tried a little, am somewhat disappointed that I am not making faster progress, but know that I am making progress, so will try to be content with that.

I have figured out what I want to do for the Marathon...1 mile at walk speed (3.6 mph), 1 mile at fast walk speed (4.2 mph) and one mile at jog (5.5 mph). If I can do those three miles repeated for 26.2 miles, I can finish the Marathon in 6 hours (plus whatever time bathroom breaks take). So that's my goal. I have no doubt in my mind that by October I would be ready to walk the marathon at a pace of 3.5 mph. But then it would take 7 1/2 hours, and I don't want to take that long. So I need a training plan to get me ready to run for one mile, and walk fast and faster for two.

The day that I will be able to run just a mile seems almost unachievable...but I know I'll get there. I have to remember my own teaching and recognize that I'm in "the house of pain" as I try to go from walking to jogging. It's hard -- at least for me -- but I am going to start more structured intervals to improve my running (okay, slow jogging) endurance.

When we started all of this, I missed the first meeting and now will also miss the last one. Bummer! I did have a good week and was able to meet ForensicsDiva at the Jackson Healthplex on Wed. for XT. It was nice to have a training partner.

Hope everyone has a blessed Easter.