Running on Faith

Race day has all kinds of ups and downs emotionally and physically. Let’s begin with race day starting out at 25 degrees, thank God the wind was not blowing. We headed out early because all the teenagers including my two were running the 5k. We watched them take off then had to head over to our starting line.

I wished Tim all the luck and kissed him at his pace corral and Marcelo, Louise, Marcie, Paul and Tisha headed over to the 4:45 pace corral. We were all excited and cold. Nancy and Dara found us so now we were all ready.  Well Nancy and I started out together and things were going along nicely. About mile 3 I could feel my feet warming up, yeah.  Oh and  this year we got to run thru the St. Jude campus and that made me almost cry, but I kept it together because it is hard to cry and run. I mean all these families and some patients are cheering you on calling you their hero, when really they are my hero for so many reasons. Only thing I could think of at that time is keep on running for them.

Now Nancy was busy counting down how many miles she had left and I think she was getting more and more excited at each mile. Well she also started running fast as each mile went. At mile seven I got a side stitch and I knew I had to just run thru it. I did and at the same time back off from running with Nancy. I was totally fine with that I had to run my pace if I was going to finish.

When I hit the Zoo entrance I heard someone say my name and it was Dara. We talked for a while but I run faster than her so I was off, I could still see Nancy but she was moving, go girl was all I could think. See it was Nancy’s first marathon.

Well I was going my pace and enjoying the race when side stitch number 2 came along. Funny I did not  get them in training. I think it had to do with breathing in cold air. See it was never that cold in training. Anyway this side stitch did not want to go away. At this time it was 2 hours into the race and I was at mile 11. Time to eat shock blocks and take my salt table. Funny how long it takes to chew a frozen shot block and get it out of your teeth. Feeling good and running smooth finally, no side stitch, I was on my way. I did realize that I was not still with the 4:45 pace group and I was okay with that. Until mile 15 when I started feeling sick to my stomach. I just kept running thinking it will pass. Mile 16 drank some powerade and that did not help. The feeling of puking was rapidly coming on as well as I did not know if I could finish this race. I knew I was way behind the 4:45 pace group and I was started to get that dreaded feeling of finishing way past last years time. The sick feeling was not going away so at  mile 17 1/2 I went behind the port-a -potty and puked. Now that is a first for me getting sick in a race. The only thing I could think of was to keep running and stop being a sissy. Those kids at St. Jude get sick every time they have chemo. So I told my self to get my a-s running.

By the time I hit mile 19 I was feeling a lot better. Then mile 20 I let out a big “woo hoo” with my arms in the air and said “6 more miles to go”. The ladies in front of me laughed and the guy behind me did not like it at all. He said” that is a lot left to be excited about” my response was “you have already run 20 miles 6 is nothing”. Well every mile after that I let out a woo hoo and some how found energy to keep on going.

Let me tell you about another thing I have never done in a race before, drink beer. Yes, I said drink beer. At mile 22 I got my powderade and took about three sips and then there was another table with a guy handing out cups of beer. He asked if I wanted one and I told him I would trade him, powerade for beer. I am not a big beer drinker but that was the best beer. Drank it down and headed on. I had reached a new energy that came from running for these kids, mixed with finishing a marathon by myself (last year Tim ran the whole thing with me). Mile 23 brought me to tears it was a sign that said in Memory of Madeline Beaman, she died last year shortly after the Marathon. I followed her story until the end. Funny thing about this race I get very emotional just thinking about these kids and what they have to go thru. But it is what keeps you moving forward knowing that running for 26 miles is not as hard as fighting for your life.

Some where between mile 23 and 24  I found Louise walking and crying because she had hurt her knee. I talked with her a while and she told me to go on that she was finishing one way or another. I gave her a hug and said a prayer and took off. The last  miles ticked down and before I knew it I was at the finish line. Looked up to see my family and some of my team mates cheering for me. I cheered for myself as you can see and went for the finish line this time with a smile on my face.

No I did not finish in the time I thought I would but I really did not care. I did something I love for a cause that is very dear to my heart. See you next year Memphis!!

Yesterday was my last long run day and  my training plan said 20 to 22 miles. Now first I had to move my run to Friday due to kids events and I would be running it by myself. I was a little nervous about this run due to the fact that last weeks long run was horrible.

I chose to run at LSU so I dropped the kids at school and starting running around 8;30 am under sunny, cool 52 degree skies. Well  by mile 2 I was shedding clothes and wishing I was back at the car to get rid of the extra clothes. Running thru campus was nice I got to see all the decorations for homecoming this weekend. Not only once but three times because I went three times around the lakes to get all my mileage in.  Enjoyed the pelicans, ducks, turtles and the beautiful day.

I also have to say that on a lot of my runs around the lakes I often wish I lived on one of the lakes, but after spending 3 hrs plus out there I changed my mind. Why? I am sure the view is wonderful but there are too many people seated on buckets fishing out in front of these houses that would drive me crazy. Ruins the view if you know what I mean.

Lap two went by the fastest and lap three started feeling some soreness in the legs  and my stomach growling because of hunger. I was eating my shot blocks but I was still hungry. Kept trying to fool my stomach by drinking the nasty Power Aid, but that only worked for a short time. Finally back at the car and I  was finished. I wanted to let out a hooray in the parking lot, but to many people around. Did not want them to think I was crazy. I was happy  21 miles in 3hr. and 34 minutes.

I prayed a lot on this run, thanked God for a lot and just enjoyed the time outside. I am ready for the Marathon.

Until next time keep looking up because that is where He is.

In training you never know what can or will happen. You can have good days and bad days. Let’s just say Sundays long run was BAD. Tim and I moved our long run to Sunday because of Lara’s swim meet and the LSU football game and shopping filled up the day, so we ran Sunday morning. First I don’t like to miss church to train so I was trying to tell myself that if I prayed the whole way God would let it count.  Any way being human I ran instead of going to church, don’t think I will do that again.

I woke up Sunday morning not feeling well at all. But I thought that once I start running I will feel better. Weather was not bad, cool and a little breeze it was actually good running weather. We started around 6:30 am at the LSU lakes. The start was rough and I just kept telling myself that I need to get warmed up and all the aches and pains would go away. I even took a little bit of a different course and cut thru LSU and visited Mike the Tiger and ran thru campus. Thought that maybe a change of scenery would do the trick, NOT!   It was a very lonely run no cars or people out at this time of the morning on a college campus on a Sunday. Mile six I really felt sick to my stomach and a headache. Great the flu right in the middle of my training. Well I had other plans instead of being sick I would run it out. No, I do not have the flu but everything on my body hurt at that moment.  I told my self that once I make it back to the truck in about 3.5 miles I will eat some shock blocks and drink some water and I will be fine.   Well  by mile 8 I wanted to just cry. This run sucks and the weather was changing to drab. I did make  it back to the truck forced down the shock blocks because food was the last thing I wanted with the way my stomach felt. Did a little stretching because my leg muscles felt very tight and look at my watch knowing I had another 9 miles to go. UGH!! So I started off again. 

Well at least more people were out running and biking so it was not so lonely. I actually had a squirrel running with me for a very short while. Watched about 40 swans feeding of of something in the lake. Passed a house on Standford and it smelled like they were still partying from the night before with their pot smoking.  Other than that I was just trying to get thru this run. Which by the way my training plan called for 3hrs 15 minutes running anywhere from 18 to 20 miles.  I started the run walk routine about mile 10 or 11 because my left leg just was not happy.  I thought about stopping and texting Tim (yes, I run with my phone, for emergencies) and telling him to come and get me when he finished. But I did not I sucked it up and kept on going. Thinking  FORWARD, FORWARD that is what will get you to the truck. Tim ended up texting me telling me he was at the truck and I still had 25 minutes left of my run. That text somewhat helped because I figured he finished now I have too.  Well I got to the point on the run where I could take the long way back or the short way back to the truck I took the short way. My body was not feeling so well and I knew my legs were moving by not real steady. I cut my run short by 10 minutes and 3 miles. I had a bad day.  Tim also had a bad day. With that we headed home to get ready for the second half of Lara’s swim meet.

Not much time left to donate to St. Jude so if you are planning on it do it now. Until next time keep looking up because that is where He is.

Well Saturdays run was great. 16.72 miles in 3 hrs. I would have to say a personal best.  Tim and I ran around the lakes. I personally love running around the lakes it keep your mind not thinking about the run. It reminds me of the Marathon. Goes by quick and God’s great work to look at and it keeps me praying about everything.

I am hoping for a better time than last year and my focus has been all over the place this year in training. It has been a busy year, but I still would like to do well in training and fund raising. I did get great news and St. Amant High will do a fund raiser to help me raise money for St. Jude. Thank You St.Amant High.

So send in your donations and lets help change the life of a child.

Until next time keep looking up because that is where He is.

This week I was forced to do my long run  today. Yes, I know it’s Friday, but due to the fact my kids have sports activities I must attend this weekend there is no time for me to do a long run.  Two positives came out of this: one the weather was a lot cooler  and I have my workout done for the weekend and I can just play and not have to worry about fitting in a work out.

Let’s talk about the weather for a minute. It has been so hot that running has been no fun. Well this morning I got cold weather and wind. At one point I was having to hold my cap on my head and my eye was watering at the same time because of  the wind going in it.   I thought I was going to lose my contact. That would be just great blind in one eye and loosing my cap would mean bad hair being blown all over the place. Kind of funny when I think about that picture.   Now I am not complaining because my run was great and I actually did 15.5 miles in 2 hrs and 45 minutes. It was just such a drastic change from the 90 degree temps on my last run on Tuesday.  I love to run around the lakes because it just seems like time flys and before I know it I am done and running in the cooler weather I just did not feel so tired when I was done. Yeah me!!! I think I might move all my long runs to Fridays.

Now with that workout done I am going to go and enjoy the St. Amant football game tonight and tomorrow I will be at Mason’s swim meet. Oh yeah tomorrow night a bunch of us from the team are running in the Oktoberfest 5k put on by Budweiser. Wow another Saturday of running and finishing with beer. I hope everyone enjoys the cooler weather.

Until next time keep looking up because that is where He is.

What happened to the cooler weather? I just ran 5 miles and it felt like I was in the shower. Can you say HUMIDITY!

 I am really ready for cooler weather. I know come race day it will be around 30 something degrees in Memphis at the starting line but it will not matter because it will be race day and I will be excited.

If you have not donated then get on it. If you have then thank you very much.

Until next time keep looking up becasue that is where He is.

Saturday Tim and I ran in the Middendorf 10 miler. Of course we started the morning early with having to drive to New Orleans. The weather was not so great but by race time there was a light drizzle and a little cool breeze.  Just right for this run because there was no shade, so if the sun would have been out it would have been miserable.

The first thing Tim notices is the very big bridge, and we realized that the bridge is the start of the race. This is no small bridge take a look:

I did not panic or even start to think about what it would mean. I was here to run this race and to see how well my training is going. Tim and I walked to the starting line. Of course I went to the back and he went to the front with the fast people. Race started and I jogged up that bridge because I did not want to wear myself out in the beginning because I still had 9 miles after this bridge with one of those miles being this bridge on the way back. After the bridge it was flat and nothing but swamp on both sides. So much for a change of scenery.

I was having a good run keeping a good pace behind this couple along with two girls doing the walk/run method. At about the 4 mile mark I was missing my Ipod but things were good. I saw Tim at about the four and half mile point and he was headed back in and he looked good to me.

At the turn around I caught up to the couple that I had been behind and we started talking and I end up running the rest of the race with them. We talked and ran at a very good pace. Before I knew it there was that darn bridge. I told myself that I was not going to walk it. It was running or nothing. Well that meant running because nothing would not let me finish the race. The couple took off on the bridge and of course I could not keep up that pace so I ran it at my pace. I did manage to chick this man on the way up “yea me”. It seemed like forever before I got to the top but after that it was all down hill to the finish line. The whole way down I kept thinking about the beer and catfish that was waiting for me.

I finished the race in 1hour and 48 minutes and I was very happy with that. I would have to say it was a great day for a race,  beer and catfish. Now time for LSU football.

Until next time keep looking up because that is were He is.

I know I have not posted in weeks and I am truly sorry for that. I let life get to me and have neglected to post. Althought I have not slacked on working out. So far my longest run has been 13.5 miles and thank goodness it was on a cooler morning than most. The speed workouts and tempo runs have been grueling. I did not have them in my training last year because it was a beginner plan and this years plan is intermediate. When I stop and look at how my workouts are going they are hard but I am doing them. Will I be faster than last year? I hope so because last year I ran with a hurt knee and this year I plan on no injuries. But in all honesty I really do not care if  beat last years time. My main focus is on raising money for St. Jude and having fun while I do it.

This weekend Tim and I are participating  in a 10 mile run. I am excited about it some place different to run and this week has been a recovery week so I have high hopes of doing well in the run. No, not winning  just having a great run. That is what I am praying for.

Thank Aunt Tuddie, my long time friend Trish, Red Door Interiors and my sweet hearted Gandpa for your generous donations. If you have not donated and take the plunge and give a little to St. Jude.

Until next time keep looking up because that is where He is.

Everything about this work out went wrong. I knew that this day was going to be very busy. Mason had swim practice at 7 am and Lara had her first High School swim Meet and warm up was at 8:30am. Luckily they were both at Crawfish. Here’s the catch, my training workout called for a 2 hour run and Tim’s 1 1/2 hours. After much discussion Tim and I decided that we would get up and start running by 4:30 am so that way the run would be done. Well on Friday night we realized that it would be pouring raining on Saturday morning and running in the dark and rain would not be a good idea. Really I did not want to run in the dark but I would give it a try. Change of plans we just go get the kids stuff done then we come home and get our run done by 5 or 5:30 pm just in time to grab a shower and watch the LSU game.  Plan went very well for me until my run.

That run was wrong from the Beginning. See this last week my training stepped up to tempo runs and speed work. Don’t like speed workouts and tempo runs well I am still out on that one. Anyway ,I started my run with my legs screaming all over. I just kept telling myself once I warm up some of that discomfort will go away. That actually turned out to be half true. The humidity was horrible I think it was the worst that we had all summer. At about an hour into this I started feeling bad. Light headed feeling like I was going to hurl and sluggish. So I thought that maybe the salad that I had for lunch might have been all used up so I ate a couple of my shot blocks and drank more fluids. That did not help just made things worse. I had thirty more minutes of this horrible run and Lara drives up next to me shouting words of encouragement. The only thing I could say was that I did not feel good. Here’sthe but, I was not going to quit. Now I was running slower and would not get the mileage in that I had planned for but it is still early in the training and I will have plenty of other days to get all that in. So I kept on going and praying. I finally made it back to the house and Tim was walking the driveway. I looked at him and said “that sucked” because it did. After talking to him and finding out that he was having the same problems I had. We both decided that it was the humidity and staying up to late and getting up to early over the past couple of days.  Which we soon discovered that we would not be getting much sleep tonight either. All of Lara’s friends decided to come over to our house to watch the LSU game. Which means a house full of teenage girls and boys coming in and out till late at night. Great group of kids and would have them at any time just puts Tim and I up very late at night. Okay I admitting that I am aging and cannot stay up all night any more.

The work out may have gone all wrong but the reason for the workout is all right. Raising money to help the children at St.Jude’s Hospital makes all worth it. I would think that someone telling me that my child had cancer would seem “all wrong” because you never imagined your child would have to fight for thier lives.  So if you want to make a difference then make a donation now.

Well that is all for now, keep looking up becasue that is where He is.

Saturday Tim and I went “Club’n” again( that is running around the lakes). This time we got an earlier start than last week. We started our run around 6:15 am. Tim went one way and I went the other. We both had to run the same amount of time, but for Tim that is more miles. Let me being by saying that I have been suffering from an extremely sore left thigh. At times it feels like a pulled muscle. I actually rested it for about three days, so I was well rested for this long run. I just love running around the lakes time goes by so fast. But the soreness in my thigh was right there under the surface letting me know that I had something on my run with me I did not want. That being pain, so my pace was slower than last week. But surprise I still had a good run. I ran 10.40 miles in 1hr and 52 minutes. Tim was right behind me in his 13 mile run. The morning was beautiful and it was a great day to run.

But after this run I started looking at my training plan and I had lots of questions about it.Who else would I go to but Coach Tim.  He started looking at my plan and he figured out that I have been running to fast on my easy runs and he figure out my pace for my temp runs and striders. So all this leg pain and extreme soreness is due to over work muscles. And for once in my running life I was running to fast.  So now I have a lot more to think about on my runs with having to pay attention to my pace. Thanks Coach Tim!!!

Well until next time keep looking up because that is where He is.