Half Marathon

by

DNSing

I have never DNFed a race. (Knock on wood!)

I have DNSed several times. The first time in Oct 2008, I was too sick to go. The 2nd time in Oct 2009 because it was raining and the 3rd time in 2010, I arrived at the race and was too sick to run. All were for the Great Pumpkin Challenge in Saratoga. (This race was last weekend so I may have had a 4th DNS.)

I have since then become tougher. Or maybe more stubborn. Or maybe I have a higher pain threshold. Or just plain stupid!

When I broke my left ankle last December, I had only registered for one future race – the Freihofer’s and I DID IT (against the advice of all drs, pts & friends).

Freihofer’s – 1st run 5 mos after broken ankle

When my right foot started hurting, I had already registered for FIVE races. I have run two of them (Susan Komen and the Runners World 5ks). Both took place before the actual diagnosis.

5k finisher with a stress fracture

So I have three left that I have already registered for:

  • Fall FRUN 10K on November 4

  • Albany Last Run 5K on December 15

  • First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, Fla on March 17

Obviously, my boot will make me DNS for the Fall FRUN 10k (but I will show up to grab my $25 shirt.)

I was planning on the Stockade-athon 15K but since I didn’t sign up, I think I will volunteer.

I am really hoping that I can run/walk the Last Run (that’s 10 wks post injury) and I am really really really hoping that I can run/walk the First Watch Half.

I HATE TO DNS!!

Happy Running! How did you feel about DNSing? Have you done it much?

by

Destination Races

Half Marathon in Naples, Florida

My first Destination Race was in January 2011.  It was my first half and I was VERY NERVOUS.  I went with my hubby and arrived late Friday for the Sunday race.  Saturday, we got settled, picked up my bib, and went to the Pasta dinner.  After the race on Sunday and until Wed, we were able to relax and leisurely enjoy the sites of Naples.

My second Destination Race was last November in California. I was staying and running it with a friend.  So we stressed out together before and after whined about how we did.  PERFECT!

Ellen & I with our Santa Clarita Half Marathon bibs

I decided to do a third Destination Race.  This one is March 17 in Sarasota, Florida.  It is my first half marathon since my ankle injury and I am VERY NERVOUS.  I am traveling alone for this one.  I arrive on Tuesday for the Sunday race and leave on Monday.  I am staying with a good friend who lives about 1/2 hour away and I have 2 other friends who live closer whom I may stay with the night before & after the race.

The problem is that I will be nervous the days preceding the race and those who do not run probably will not understand my anxiety, my need to run and rest and eat properly.  Poor planning on my part (but it was due to work scheduling & cost.)

What is the solution?

Schedule another half marathon before the one in Sarasota.  If I am successful, at least I will be less nervous, right?

So I thought I may run this one:

Our good friends recently moved there (Flagler Beach – 11 miles away) so we will get the chance to see them.  My hubby & I would arrive Saturday (the day before the race) and leave Wednesday. (I even have Jan 21 off from work.)

But…good thing I checked before making the plane reservations.

THEY CHANGED THE DATE!!

 

I am totally bummed.  Jan 6 is not a good time for me to take off work.

Here is another possibility:

Half Marathon & 5K on Jan 19, 2013 in Amelia Is, Fla.

But it is not as convenient and is more expensive..

Change the date or change the race… or skip it????

Happy Running! Do you do destination races?  Any advice?

by

Wordless Wednesday


This is my motivation! Six months to go!

Happy Running!  What race are you looking ahead to?

by

Inspired by a Discount

Wednesday was National Running Day and I got an e-mail offering $10 off a variety of races so I registered for:


It’s far off but now I have to do it, right?

Happy Running!  Anyone sign up for any races on Wednesday?

 

by

What’s the Plan, Stan?

Gotta have a plan, right?

  • June – WALK
  • July – RUN
  • August – RUN MORE
  • September – 5K
  • October – 10K
  • November – 15K
  • December – RUN LONG
  • January – Half Marathon!!!

January 13, 2013 or 1-13-13 (lucky 13?)

Well I may be overly optimistic since I haven’t started running outside yet. But my 6 month injury anniversary is June 29 and I’ve had enough!!!

 The worst case scenario is that I walk the races.  Even the Palm Coast allows walkers (if you can finish under 4 hrs).

Happy Running!  Do you plan ahead?  How far?

 

 

by

Change or No Change

I thought things had changed a lot since last April and then I went to the hairdresser.

Change:

Last April, I was getting excited to run my second half marathon (13.1 miles).
This April, I am excited to run 2 minutes on a treadmill and I look forward to biking on the weekends.

April 2011

April 2012

 

Last April, my hair was long (and then I cut it.)
This April, I have continued to keep it shorter.

April 2011

April 2012

No Change:

I got my hair cut before going on my annual Florida vacation.
I am wearing the  SAME OUTFIT. (What are the odds of that??)

Happy Running!  What has changed with you since last year?

by

Two for Tuesday and My Epic Comeback

1.  From wheelchair to running a 5K – check out the story HERE. In 10 months, Kimberly Sheerin went being a paraplegic to running 3.1 miles.  AMAZING!!

2.  This past weekend, I put on a running shoe and I kinda walked (walk is a loose term – I moved slowly and didn’t fall).

Those two events prompted me to start planning my running future!!

  • 2 months – bones healed – CHECK!
  • 3 months – walk without crutches
  • 5 months – walk in a race
  • 6 months – start to run
  • 9 months – race in a 5k
  • 12 months – run a half marathon

So there you have it…my planned comeback!  More details to come!

Happy Running! 


by

Half Marathons (in my dreams)

Last year, I ran FIVE Half Marathons!!

2nd

I got hooked on this long distance thing so would probably have done the same this year barring any injury.

Injury struck big time. 

So here are my dream events for 2012:

If any of you are running these halfs, think of me.  I am there IN SPIRIT!! (and cheering you on!)

Happy Running!

 

 

by

Race Superlatives

Thanks to Jen from Jen is Green for this idea.  I’ve run a total of 72 races, with race recaps for ALL of them. 

**Most Fun Race — Mother’s Day Race

 

This race is close to home and always on or around my birthday. It’s all women and I always run it with friends.  They also give out awesome pre-race swag – hat, tote bag, lunch bag, back pack, etc. One year, we even got a red rose.

**Most Difficult Race — Fall Foliage Half Marathon

I ran this race last October on a whim.  I wanted to use it as a training run for my half in November.  It was the first annual so there were no reviews.  And it was so HILLY!!! I mean steep hills.  I was not prepared and I could barely walk for several days after.

**Most Scenic Race — Naples News Half Marathon

 

Palm trees, Gulf of Mexico, beaches, yachts, mansions…what can I say?  It was awesome! 

**Most Boring Race — HMRRC Winter Series #1 (3m)

 

This series occurs several times during the winter and there are different distances to choose from each time. You run around the State Office campus and the longer the distance the more times you loop.  Concrete…concrete!  The most boring course ever but it is FREE!

**Best Post Race Party — Adirondack Half Marathon

There was entertainment, lots of food (even ice cream) and best of all, Schroon Lake to soak your aching feet with (with friends.)

**Most “Nostalgic” Race — Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k

 

I never thought I would run this race.  I was always envious of women that could.  After I joined the No Boundaries program, my friends and I decided to do it (even though we had never run 3 miles).  I have done it every year since. 

**Best “Feeling of Accomplishment” Race — Naples News Half Marathon

 

After running 5ks for 3 years, I never thought I could run 13.1 miles!!  Even as I was standing  at the starting line with tears in my eyes, I was doubtful.  Then at Mile 10, I called my hubby and said “I feel good!”  I knew I would finish… the best feeling EVER!

So that’s it.

I hope to add even MORE races to my list … hopefully.

Happy Running!  Feel free to make a similar list and share on your blog.

by

Wordless Wednesday

Things I still can do:

EAT

KNIT (my first hat)

DREAM (Jan 2013)

Happy Running!