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Guest Blogger

I hope you’ve enjoyed the Bloggy Post Exchange as much as I have!  I’m happy to be posting Bobbi’s running story:

Hi, I am Bobbi and I blog at zeroto26point2.blogspot.com. It’s so great to be doing a guest post for Darlene! 

SO often when I talk about my running journey, I begin with where I started running most recently in March of 2010. But really, that March was the culmination of a long road of self discovery. It’s safe to say that I discovered the Bobbi I want to be that March, but it was after a ton of epic screw ups and toxic apathy along the way. 

As a kid, I was introverted and shy. We were pretty broke as a family. There were no sports teams for me, and at the time, I was ok with that. I spent much of my time with my head in a book anyhow – I had no interest in team sports. When I hit middle school, I actually was interested in trying out some sports, but my fear stood in my way. And by the time I actually got over that fear, everyone else had been playing for a while, and I felt like I wasn’t good enough to overcome the few years my classmates had on me in terms of playing time. 

So during my freshman year, I went out for track. I figured if I sucked at it (and oh, I did) it was only on me – I wasn’t letting anyone down. I hated meets. I was a terrible sprinter. But I loved practice. And I really loved the longer distances. I only ran track the one season, but the seed was planted. Looking back, I SHOULD have gone out for cross country. But I never made the connection at the time.

Throughout college, I ran on and off, as the only “working out” that I actually enjoyed. I met my first husband my senior year, and I promptly gained a bunch of weight. We ate. We ate a LOT. His family ate. I was so unhealthy. Our relationship was so unhealthy. After a year, I left him. And I started to take back my life again.

When I met my current hubs, I started that unhealthy cycle all over again. And then we got married and nearly immediately pregnant, and I used that as an excuse to be as foolish with my food choices as I wanted to. I could kick myself looking back, but you know what they say about hindsight, right? We have 4 great kids that I’d give my life for, but I lost myself in there again. I ran a bit on and off between pregnancies, but I never managed to stick with it. Or I’d get pregnant again and quit.

When James, my youngest, was nearly 3, I finally reached a point where I was disgusted with myself. I felt awful. I got sick all the time. My cholesterol was terrible. The yo-yo dieting would take the weight off so that I could put it back on again. I needed a big change. So I registered for the Chicago marathon to be run on 10-10-10. Without having run in years. I was TERRIFIED. But elated and excited and thrilled with the possibilities! Then I got down to training.

In those first few months, I ran because I had to. To get across the finish line, it was necessary. I followed my training plan mostly. I was slow, but that didn’t bother me. I ran my first half marathon in August – the Chicago Rock and Roll half. Looking back, I didn’t race it very smartly, and I didn’t recover well, and I spent the majority of August not able to run at all. And I MISSED IT.

Somewhere along the way, running changed me. And it changed for me. It became something I craved. This weekend, I’ll repeat running the Rock and Roll half. And I know I’ll do it better. Because now? I love the run. And running loves me right back.

Thanks Bobbi for sharing!

Good luck this weekend!

Happy Running!

 

 

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Orthotics Anyone?

Sean's Run

I was happy! I was running! I was running fast!

That ended on June 11, 2011!

Since then — one month of painful running followed by PT and no running!

Now it’s on to slow short runs…but NO RACING!!!

Everytime I read the newspaper or my e-mails or FACEBOOK, there is mention of a 5K race!!

Summer 5ks are very popular in my area.  There’s several every weekend.  I used run in them.  My hubby is probably happier since we have had more boat time and he doesn’t have to wait around for me.

I am sad!

Wednesday I went to PT and PT guy#1 wants to extend my PT 2 more weeks.  He also wants me to continue stretching, walking and running longer.

So I ran 4 miles yesterday in perfect weather.  The run was mixed with walking but I ran.

Today, I still feel good and went back to my foot doctor.  Since the real pain is gone, he said there’s nothing left to do. (I still wonder if I didn’t go to PT, stretch, not run or play tennis and ice, would the pain still be there???)

He wants me to get orthotics! I pronate and I need arch supports  to put less pressure on my Achilles.  A mere $350!!

So I have to get a letter from my insurance company stating that they will cover it, then make an appt, get measured, get them made and gradually get used to running in them…just 3 months or so!!!

Yeah, right…I have a half marathon in 6 weeks.  Well, that’s out as we know.  I WANT TO TRAIN FOR HALF #4 –that means run pain-free and it’s in 12 weeks…

On a positive note:

I’ve seen 2 good movies this week:

 

I am playing Mah Jongg tonite.

We are going up to Lake George tomorrow for a weekend of boating & relaxing.

Happy Running! Orthotics anyone?

 

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Chips Are Down Virtual Race

 Thanks to Amanda from Run to the Finish who is hosting this virtual race to celebrate her 30th birthday.

I posted on her blog that I planned to run 3 miles in 34 minutes.  Pretty slow, right?  But then again I’m not racing while I’m injured.

So this is cool that I can race without racing!

I got up early to run before work.   The weather was perfect — not too warm and not too hunid.

I followed my PT’s instructions – walk…stretch…run…walk…stretch…run…walk… stretch…ice.

In total, I did 4 miles but only 3 miles were done running. Total time = 48 minutes.  Total running time = 34 minutes.

Still some discomfort…but so happy to be out there running!!

PT continues for at least one more week… Dr appt tomorrow.

Thanks Amanda!

Happy Running!

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Wordless Wednesday or My New Addiction

Yup, I’m becoming a connoisseur on Root Beer Floats.  I’ve tried them in many locations and they are all different.  Sometimes it is made with A&W root beer. Sometimes it is made with soft ice cream.  Sometimes they give you the rest of the bottle of soda with your float .

My preference:

  • Soft vanilla cream
  • the rest of bottle or can so you can add to it when the foam dies down.
  • I don’t care if it is A &W or not.
  • Stewarts anywhere or LuckE Star in Warrensburg are so far my favs.

If you like Root Beer Floats, here’s some interesting trivia:

It was originally called the “Black Cow.”  The Black Cow was put together the first time on Aug. 19, 1893, by Frank J. Wisner, owner of Cripple Creek Brewing in Cripple Creek, Colorado. The tale passed down through the generations in the Cripple Creek community says that Frank got his inspiration of the snow caps on the Cow Mountain, sparking him to think of ice cream floating on top of the black Cow mountain. This vision prompted the name of the treat, The Black Cow.

August 6 each year is National Root Beer Float Day!! (If only I had know!!)

On the running front:

I am running every other day: walk stretch…run…walk stretch…run…walk stretch…run..stretch…ice

Running slowly 2-3 miles at most…in the mornings…not really painful but if I did more, I think it would be. I am listening to the PT and do not want to risk injury. 

I WILL RUN 13.1 MILES on NOV 6, 2011 or eat lots of root beer floats to drown my sorrows!!!!

Happy Running!

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Plan B

Red Rock Bay #18

Plan A:

Three days on Lake George at Red Rock Bay #18.  Swimming, boating, bbqing with friends.

View from Sagamore running route

Running around the Sagamore in the morning before heading back to the island.

Well, the forecast for ALL 3 days was showers and thunderstorms!!!!!!!!! Normally we ignore the weather reports and do our own thing. For some reason, we listened to them!! And they were wrong!!

Plan B:

Spent Saturday with my tennis buddies on Schroon River.

 

No it did not rain.  My poor hubby had stayed home.

On Sunday, I got up early and ran a sucky 3 miles in my scenic neighborhood (NOT).  My heel felt fine, but the HUMIDITY almost killed me.

Then we headed up to the marina.  We didn’t take the boat out because we thought it would rain. I walked around beautiful Bolton Landing waiting for our friends to arrive.

When our friends arrived, we had a nice barbecue on the deck of our marina. Then on our way home, we stopped for ice cream (I know I said I would give it up) and to play miniature golf.

one of my better putts

No it did not rain.

So today again the forecast is for rain which I have yet to see.  I am obviously blogging, doing laundry, weeding and eventually plan to maybe go shopping and/or see a movie. (I’d love to run but I am obeying PT Guy #1.)

The morale of the story, do not  visit:  weather.com.

Happy Running!

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My Guest Post – You’re Not Over the Hill…Why You Should Run… Advice for women in their later years

This is really cool.  Below is my post on Adventure Is Out There.

I hope to have a Guest Blogger on my Blog this week!!  STAY TURNED!!

You’re Not Over the Hill…Why You  Should Run… Advice for women in their later years,…  (in no particular order):

  • Run with younger women; it makes you feel younger.

the running group and then some

All of these women could be my daughters but when I am part of the group, I feel like an equal.  We are runners and cheer each other on.  Age doesn’t seem to matter.

  • Run races, you will meet awesome people; some will even become your friends.

    Mary & I after a race

Mary asked me to take a photo after a race over a year ago and we became instant friends. We have entered races together…we have supported each other through injuries.  We found out that we have a lot in common, but running is how we first met.

  • Running gives you energy.

    running one morning

I am not a morning person.  I struggle to get out of bed.  I consider resetting the alarm clock every time.  But I have never regretted running before work.  Even after the worst runs, in the worst weather conditions, I always feel GOOD!  The rest of the day always goes better.  I have MORE energy on the days I run than on the ones I don’t.

  • Register for races, it will keep you running.

    Holding My Breath for the rain to stop

Whenever I feel that I don’t want to go out for a run, I register for a race.  Then I know that I MUST run. In the beginning, I was running all my races by myself.  I still enjoyed the experience.  Running races is motivating.  Running races adds to your shirt collection.  Running races gives you some cool gifts (water bottles, magnets, raffle prizes, etc.).  Running races gets you a free breakfast.  Running races gives you a goal for improving your  pace. Running races gets you out of bed early on weekends.  Running races is a good way to contribute to a charity!  Running races introduces you to others with the same interest – running. Running races is addicting (at least for me, it is)!!

  • You will get faster (to a point).

    Mother’s Day 5k Race ’11

I finished my first 5K (April 2008)  in around 37 minutes and I was thrilled.   It took me all summer that year to break 30 minutes. Of course, the next year, I wanted to break 30 minutes all the time.  Well, that didn’t happen but I found that if you run consistently, you will get faster.  Now I break 30 minutes most of the time.  I even have a PR of 27:30!!  I know I can be faster but not much.  Realistically, I will not run a 5k in 20 minutes!! I’m ok with that.

  • Age Groups awards are even more possible.

    lst in AG

So… most of the runners in a typical race are younger than you.  The odds are that you have a better shot at an award.  I am not real fast but I have won many age group awards.  Of course, this doesn’t always happen!  There are a lot of FAST runners in my age group.  Look at Joan Benoit Samuelson!!!!

  • You can run longer races.

    Half in Naples, Florida

I didn’t figure this one out right away.  I thought that since I was older, I could NOT do a long distance. Then I decided that I should try it.   Life is short and what did I have to lose.  So I ran my first half marathon this past January and crossing the finish line was one of the proudest moments of my life. I ran my 2nd in April and I plan to continue running at least 1 or 2 a year.  What about a full marathon??  That I’m not sure about.  It’s not that I think I can’t.  It’s that the training is so time-consuming.

  • You may get injured and then you will start stretching.

When I was part of the No Boundaries program, they taught us to stretch before and after every run. On my own, did I follow this?? NO!!!!!!!! Why?  Laziness…no time…I don’t need to, etc.  Well, I have my first running injury and it SUCKS!!!  I am starting to heal and before I run, I stretch.  During my run, I stretch.  After my run, I stretch.  I think stretching is important and especially if you are older.  I hope I remember this and when I am un-injured, I continue to STRETCH!

  • Dress like a runner; wear those cute clothes.

I don’t care that I’m 58!  I’m wearing those cute tank tops and short running skirts!!  I always dress for the sport.  I have tennis outfits.  Golf outfits.  Yoga outfits! Workout outfits! So of course, as soon as I started running, I accumulated running outfits.  For me, I feel like I do better when I look better.

  • Read Blogs (or maybe start your own.)

    racing with fellow blogger AJH

As soon as I started running, I started a blog.  I thought it would keep me accountable to my running.  I would post my goals and write about my experiences.  I could also keep track of the races I had run and my mileage.  However, blogging is so much more.  I learn so much by reading other blogs.  They are motivating, entertaining  and part of my everyday life.  I feel like some of the bloggers are my friends and I think they are.  I have even met some (Felice, Suzy, Amanda, Andrea) at races.

  • Run all year round not just when the weather is perfect.

I HATE THE COLD!! When I first started running, I quit in October when the weather got cold. In the spring, I started up  running again and it took a while to get back to where I was. So the next year, I joined a gym and when it got cold, I ran on the treadmill.  I DO NOT enjoy running on the treadmill!! But it kept me in shape during those cold months.  This past winter, I decided to run outside no matter how cold.  And it wasn’t bad.  I definitely prefer it to the treadmill.  I still use the treadmill when it is raining, a blizzard or very icy.  But for the most part, I run outside all year long.

  • Use a Garmin.

I was resistant at first.  I didn’t think I needed one.  Then I got a Nike plus which tracked my distance and time.  I used it until this past January.  But it really was not accurate because it is not a GPS.  I used it to train for my first half and didn’t know the difference.  Now that I have a Garmin, I don’t know how I lived without one.   I know exactly how fast I am running at all times.  I know my overall pace.  I love to download my stats to the computer to see the whole picture.  When did I run the fastest, the slowest, where were the hills, when did I stop, etc.  I did run my 2nd half without it and felt lost the whole time.  Now I never run or walk without it!

  • Those who don’t run will think you’re awesome.

or as they say: Even if you’re slow, you’re faster than someone sitting on the couch.  Other runners know that it is mind over matter.  You can do it if you set your mind to it.  Those who have never tried think that I am a super hero for running  13.1 in freezing rain.  I know that I am not and they could do it too.  I was like them at one time —  Awestruck by anyone who could finish a 5k.

  • JUST DO IT!

    my proudest moment

You won’t regret it!

Happy Running (at any age)!

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Winning…

I haven’t entered a blog giveaway in a long time but I thought Molly’s at I’m a Sleeper Baker was worthwhile.  She will be running the NYC Marathon and is raising money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. What a great cause!

So I donated and I won!!!!!!!!!!!

I get to pick 2 from this list:

  • A cheeta print skirt trimmed with aqua, in size 2 (fits a size 4/6) , from Running Skirts! – Love this skirt but not sure if it would be too small….but if I lose weight…
  • FromTommie Copper, a pair copper infused compression sleeves to address a natural solution for pain – probably need these but have my running skirt heart compression socks
  • One large runner girl charm necklace from Lift Your Sole – already have this but know a few runners who I could give it to
  • An Ultra Pocket Hat from Gone For A Run – not sure I want to put things in my cap but maybe I could try..
  • A GU Performance Energy sampler, along with a Gel Bot. – love GU but currently not running long but hope to be sometime soon…
  • Two pairs of Wrightsocks, one set in size large, one set in size medium – love socks!! but I wear a small but could give these to someone else..
  • Two Fitness Towels from Inperspire – these have very cool sayings…
  • A Sweaty Band – heard these are great 

So difficult to choose!!!!!!!

THANKS MOLLY!!!

Good Luck on your TRI this weekend and in your marathon training!

Happy Running!

 

 

 

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ClipE Review & Some Running

mine is Black

I almost always run with my iPod (except when I’m on the treadmill) so I agreed to review ClipE when I received an e-mail offering to send me one to try out.
 
According the website:
 
ClipE is a small and simple solution for managing headphone cords in a stylish way. The design, mechanics and ergonomics were the brainchild of an avid runner and professional pilot, Jess Bylsma. Just like pilot’s headsets have a clip on them to keep cords away from the flight controls and switches, Jess saw the need for a similar concept for runner and athletes. After exploring all options in the market that didn’t quite meet the practicality and aesthetic requirements, Jess took matters into her own hands and designed the ClipE.
 
I was planning to run before work yesterday but the rain deterred me.  Today I had no excuse.  I was anxious to continue testing my injured heel as well as the ClipE.
 
Results:
 
I personally do not find that my headphone cords get in my way when I run.  I sometimes find that they are too long but the ClipE wouldn’t help with that.  I think it’s because I hate armbands and I put my iPod in a pocket or clip it to my waistband.
 
Anyway, I put the cords through the ClipE.  I did want to wrinkle my tech shirt but I clipped it to my shirt as shown on the package anyway.  I had a little trouble getting the cords to stay in when I tried to clip it but I finally figured it out. 
 
The ClipE stayed in place throughout my whole run. 
 
I ran 3 miles with a 1/4 mi walk before & after.  My heel didn’t hurt!!  It stills feels tight & achy but no pain… I am not running fast but once the fear factor of a re-occurrance wanes, I’ll try to pick up the pace. 
 
My PT guy feels that I need at least 5 more sessions but he says I can run but not 2 days in a row and not more than 3 miles at a time…
 
 Back to my recommendation on ClipE:
 
 It’s light, stays put and if your headphone cords get in your way when you run, this is a perfect solution for you!
 
__________________
 
 Disclaimer:  I was sent this free of charge.  The opinions of my review are mine and mine alone.
 
________________
 
Happy Running!
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TTT: My Weekend, My Injury & My Weight

  1. 6 weekends in a row, it has been sunny and we have gone boating on Lake George. 

    enjoying my first lake swim

         Am I greedy to want another sunny weekend?  I have a 3-day weekend.   The weekend forecast doesn’t look good 😦 

           This weekend is also our annual tennis  gathering on Schroon River.

2.  Today is my next to last PT appointment.  It’s with my favorite PT guy #1.  Since I last went to PT on Monday, I have:

  • run 2.5 miles plus .5 mile walk on Tues
  • played 1 hour of tennis (doubles) on Tues
  • 1.5 hours of yoga on Wed
  • walked 1 mile at lunch today

It seems to be getting better but not fast enough for me!  I hope to run again tomorrow and gradually increase over the weekend…(if I have no pain!)

3.    I am FAT!!   No, not obese… but since I have not been running or playing tennis, I have gained weight!!!! I say it’s the lack of physical activity.  But it could be the frequency of rootbeer floats I have consumed this summer.

I have always been very thin.  Underweight as a kid.  I have never had to diet.  I don’t even know how.  I love my carbs & desserts!!! It’s never been a problem but I think it’s also an age thing!!!

me in college many moons ago

As you get older, your metabolism slows down!!!!  If you eat the same way as you did 10 or 20 or 30 years ago, you will gain weight and even if you don’t gain lbs, you gain inches…in all the wrong places.

Mine is in my waist, stomach & butt… I haven’t gained a huge amount of weight …maybe 8 lbs but it’s a lot for me!!!!!

I HATE IT!!!!!

recently - the dress covers it all!

So what’s the plan?  Of course, run and play tennis.  Continue yoga, walk at lunch…switch from chocolate poptarts to vanilla (90 calories less), cut out the ice cream (well, most of it), drink more water, eat more salads…

Happy Running! Any diet tips for the “old” lady?

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Seminar #2 – Injury Prevention

Unfortunately, I missed the first one on Nutrition for Runners but Suzy gave an excellent summary HERE.

The 2nd one was last nite:

“Injury Prevention”

Too bad this wasn’t offered sooner! Maybe I wouldn’t be injured right now!!

Speaker:  Matthew Alheim, P.T. 

Matthew is a Physical Therapist at Repsher & Associates.  He will speak on proper stretching techniques and give tips on ways to prevent common running-related injuries. Time will be set aside for questions and answers.  

The seminar was sponsored by Adidas, FleetFeet and HMRRC.

There were about 50 or so local runners, most of them training for a Marathon.  I bumped into fellow blogger/runner, Suzy and we sat together.

There’s too much of a teacher/trainer in me to rave about this presentation.  The speaker is a physical therapist and obviously knows his stuff.  As a presenter, he stunk was not very good. He gave out handouts of most of his powerpoint slides.  He just read what was on the screen (and on the handouts) and when he was running out of time, he just went through the content quickly.

He discussed the common running injuries (plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, shin splints, IT band, patellar tendonitis) and their causes, symptoms and treatments. (Most of this I was familiar with since I am always looking things up on the Internet.)

He then via the slides demonstrated lots of useful stretches. He concluded with a question and answer session.

The bottom line is that you need to stretch!! I think I knew that. 

 I am not a stretcher.  I get out and begin to run and then when I’m done, I stop.  With me, it’s a time thing.  I want to get the miles done and get to work or get home and stretching takes time. I DO NOT HAVE TIME  to stretch…

This is all fine and good if you are not injured.  If you are older, I think you are more prone to injuries because you are less limber.

Now I am stretching and stretching and stretching. When I am healthy, will I continue?????

(Speaking of healthy – I ran 2.5 miles yesterday morning and played tennis for 1 hour after work and I do not have pain today…woo hoo!!!!)

Happy Running! Do you stretch?