Turkey Trot

Today was the annual Turkey Trot at the Independence Dam State Park. I can't remember how many years I have participated in this run, but I know it's been quite a few.

Today was one of the coldest I remember. It was 20 when we left the house, so I'm not sure how much it warmed up, if any, before the start of the race. At least there was no snow/ice this year like there have been in past years. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and the roadway was clear.

The field was quite crowded for this particular race. They had the most participants ever!

It was a fairly uneventful race. I ran with my friend for the first half (the first two miles). Curt was at the turnaround point. Then I felt warmed up, so I took off. I know I passed a few others in my age group on the way to the finish line. It felt good to run. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and I felt energized. I was amazed when I saw the end of the course.

When they read the names in my age group, the 3rd place finisher had a time slower than mine, and my name was never read for any of the other places. I went back to the table, and they had forgotten to record my time. They thought they lost my card, but they did find it ... But the person who they originally said was 3rd place was not there, so I did end up with a medal. I don't care if I don't place, but when I do, I want the hardware :) There were new people doing the statistics this year and there were many more people than in the past, so there were bound to be errors. I've done better than 3rd in this race before, but my time today was just as good. There are just a lot of fast women in this age group (50-59).

Now it's time to make bread and turkey.


Gotta run ...

First November Outdoor Run

I guess I didn't keep my resolution -- I have not been running very much the last few weeks. I did get on the treadmill a few times. It's just been so busy. I know that's not a very good excuse, because when I'm busy I'm usually more stressed, and that's when I really need to run! Plus, I've put on about 4 pounds, and I need to get that off.

Today was a chilly, windy, wet morning, but I decided I really wanted to run outside. The annual Turkey Trot is in less than three weeks, so I figure I need to get used to running outside in the colder weather, anyway. It was about 40 degrees outside when I started, with a light drizzle. At least it is not snow - yet! I ran the back way to the high school and back as many streets are still torn up. I ran up the hill by my house and then did a short Riverside loop, and ran up the hill a second time. On the way out to the high school I was running into the wind, and about two miles into the run I started getting diaphragm cramps again. I just backed off my pace a bit and was able to recover. Most of the way back, except for the loops, I had the wind either at my back or at a side angle, so it wasn't as bad.

I ended up with 6.05 miles, so I feel good about that. I was a little cold and damp, but my weather gear did keep me mostly warm. This run was a good way to start my weekend.

Gotta run ...

It's been a long time

I didn't run at all this week, even on the treadmill, so it's been one week since I ran. I knew I needed to get up this morning and run. It rained all day yesterday, and is supposed to rain today, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

I woke up to a nice, sunny autumn morning. It was a little cool -- about 40 degrees out. I put on some of my cooler weather gear and went out the door. I wanted to stop at 2.5 miles, and I wanted to stop at 4 miles. But, I kept going and managed to get my 6 miles in -- actually 6.1. I didn't see any other runners/walkers, or even any wildlife this morning.

It's amazing what a week without running has done -- I felt so out of shape! But, also, I have not been eating very well this week, so that's probably a big part of it. I am determined to start eating better again this week, and I will run more, even if it's on the treadmill. No more taking a week off unless it's absolutely necessary!

Gotta run ...

Finally!

I finally was able to go outside and run. I've been using the treadmill during the week. I did buy some pepper spray yesterday, so I hope to start my morning runs again.

Today started rather emotionally. My son and his girlfriend broke up, and she and I talked this morning. It's hard, because we really felt close to her. But, these things happen. We will continue to spend time with her, though, as a family friend. So, I really, really needed a run today!

It is a beautiful Autumn day. It is the perfect temperature for running, the sun is shining, the air is clear. I ran the back way past the high school, Ginter Road loop, and then the back way home because no pedestrians are currently allowed on the Jefferson Street bridge. I didn't do the Riverside loop, but I did finish with the sprint up the hill. I ended up with 6.3 miles.

Now it's off to a soccer game, and then Band Spectacular.

Gotta run

First Annual Fountain to Fountain 5K Race for Women's Health

Today was the Fountain to Fountain 5K race in Defiance. It was a chilly start to the race. I let fashion overrule common sense, and I wore shorts instead of more practical long pants. Never again! But, I was all pink! Since it was run for women's health, and this is "think pink" month, I had to do it.

I was fine until about mile two. Then I started getting diaphragm cramps and I felt like I couldn't breath. I had to walk for a while, but then I was able to start running again and finish the race. I am still coughing and wheezing a bit -- I've probably got a touch of the virus that's going around my household.

I ended up with a time of 25:26, but I think the course was a little short. I ended up second in my age group, yet again. There is one runner I just can't beat. But, this time I was keeping up with her until I had the problems at mile two. Maybe some other time! I received a nice water container as a prize.

Now it's time to continue on with my busy weekend. It's supposed to be a beautiful one, so maybe I'll get out for a run tomorrow. I've been on the treadmill a few times this week, and it's just not the same (but it's better than not running at all).

Gotta run!

Sunday Afternoon Run

Today is another beautiful Fall day. The sun was shining and it was the perfect temperature. I decided to go for a short, fast run in preparation for the 5K coming up.

I'm used to morning runs, with little traffic. Today it was so noisy! I didn't see any other runners. I saw quite a few teenagers riding bicycles, and the roads were very busy.

I ran to the college and back, and then did the Riverside loop. I ended up with 4.5 miles. It was shorter than usual, but I don't want to overdo it. It was really a good run, and I feel great!

Gotta run.

Beautiful, Chilly Fall Morning

I was finally able to get outside for a run. I did a few on the treadmill this week - UGH! But, I had a bad feeling the last few early morning runs, and somehow I don't quite feel safe right now. I've learned to trust my instincts.

It was a crisp morning when I started out -- under 40. I was careful not to overdress, though. I did wear my running gloves, because if my hands are cold, the rest of me stays cold.

I had to go the back way to the high school, then down Carter Road for a change (rather than the Ginter Road loop). Then I basically came back the same way, due to the road construction. I did run past the house so I could finish with the sprint up the hill.

It was a good run. I saw one other runner and a bicyclist, but the roads were fairly empty. It was a beautiful day, clear blue sky, and just the right temperature, once I got going. The sun was shining, and I feel much better. I ran the first 3.1 miles at a fairly good pace, trying to get ready for the 5K next Saturday.

If I can run as fast as I did today in training, I will post my fastest time ever for a 5K. But, I'm not counting on it. I don't sign up for races in anticipation of winning or running fast. My goal is always just to finish and to have some fun. I sign up because they usually benefit some charity (this next one is for Women's Health) and to keep me motivated. When I can afford to travel, a race also gives me an excuse to get out of town!

I may not post as much now, because I am NOT going to post my treadmill runs. Those would be so boring! Mainly -- well I went this far, at this pace, watching this recorded TV show or movie ...

Gotta run!