Another Tear Drop

Tear Drop Half Marathon

Chatsworth, GA
April 25, 2021

Half Marathon # 65

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If you're reading this...I suppose I still pop up in your feed.  Hi there!  Long time, no post!  

I simply had to stop blogging a while back.  Seriously, I didn't want to read my own monotonous, uninspired posts.  So why would I expect anyone else to?  Although I don't comment, I do still read blogs.  My favorite posts are race recaps and I still search for ones relating to future races.

Along that line, I have toyed with returning to the original idea of my blog.  Race Recaps.   It is in that spirit I am posting.  If nothing else, for my own memory.  With several never-posted recaps in draft form, this one deserves the PUBLISH button.  Spoiler: I set a new half marathon PR.  And at my age I may never do that again.  Just keeping it real.

A little back story here.  Last winter I was training for a marathon.  It was going better than any other cycle before.  I felt I had finally figured out the right formula.  And then spring...and COVID shut down.  The race was postponed a couple of months and then eventually cancelled.  Ugh.  All of that extended marathon training for nothing.  I attempted to get back in the swing with two half marathons last fall, but both were meh.  

After a couple of winter adventures, I was ready to train again.  The 2020 cancelled marathon folks gave us dejected registrants the opportunity to sign up for this year's 2021 race before everyone else could. Very nice!  This small marathon has a limited field and normally sells out quickly.  I took the bait and began training this February with fervor, using the same formula as last year.

Free race pictures are always a great perk!

Back to Tear Drop (named after the iconic Trail of Tears).  My first attempt [< RECAP] at running down beautiful Fort Mountain was in 2016.  In 2018, I ran it as part of my downhill training for an upcoming marathon.  With no taper and having run 17 miles the weekend before, I set a PR in 2018. [< RECAP]  Could history repeat itself?  It was certainly worth trying.  After seeing the weather would be in my wheelhouse, and with the same 17.2 miles long run and no taper, I lined up atop Fort Mountain at 2800', in mountain hugging thick clouds with a cold strong wind, to try again.

With Garmin reporting over 600 feet of elevation gain this year [which begs the question, did the mountain grow?] the first 5 miles were as tough as ever.  The route sends runners down the forested mountain and then turns them around to come back up.  Pretty cruel, IMHO.  Actually, this race is like two events in one;  a mountainous 5 miler and then THE DROP.  They key is not to blow up in the first event.  Accordingly, I walked several times on the steepest ups.  Experience was key here!

Mile 1:      9:46
Mile 2:      9:19

Mile 3:    10:25 (ugh those nasty up hills!)

Mile 4:    10:01

Mile 5:      9:25

AVG:        9:49

I promised myself I would wait until mile 6 to get busy. I took a GU in mile 5 to be ready.  Here we go!  Trying desperately hard not to brake, I played Kelsea Ballerini's Hole in the Bottle repeatedly as its speedier cadence felt perfect for the steep section.  

[ 🎵 It ain't my fault, so don't blame me...🎵   Many thanks to you, Kelsea!]  

Mile 6:      8:33
Mile 7:      8:01
Mile 8:      7:55
Mile 9:      8:01
Mile 10:    8:21
Mile 11:    7:59
Mile 12:    8:15

AVG:        8:09

From experience, I knew mile 13 had substantial ups coming back into town.  So I negotiated a deal with myself, as I often do during races.  I'd push as hard as I could and bank time through 12 but then give myself the grace to walk in the final mile.  And walk I did.  Multiple times.  I had absolutely nothing left.  After 7 miles of running as fast as I could down a mountain, it felt as if I was crawling.

Mile 13:    9:59

Tail .18:    8:58

But there it was.  The race clock.  I was stunned.  I did it.  I set a new PR.  At my frickin' age!  My official race time was 1:57:40 and good enough for a 55-59 age group win.   Yep, I sit here days later still unable to navigate stairs or easily sit on the toilet.   The expected DOMS is brutal.  But I've been here before and know it's temporary.

So thanks for hanging around.  Maybe I'll see you soon with a post-worthy marathon recap.  {Wink}  

Until then...happy racing!

Runfessions

Hello!

Well here I am dusting the cobwebs off the corners of my blog [achhoooo!].  As the month winds down it's time to join with my buddy Marcia and come clean with a healthy dose of Runfessions.

The Backpack Buddy 5k



We called it:   The Wine Buddy 5k

I runfess...

For a recent girls weekend, I selected The Backpack Buddy 5k race solely based on it's proximity to several wineries.  It sounded like a great way to celebrate Wendy's birthday.  But now it begs the question...what superhuman species can do these wine tours?   We wimped out after two wineries.  By then, we had already sampled 18 wines. 

 

Corbin Farms Winery -- Our First Stop

I runfess...

As evidenced by my slowest time at a 5k since 2010, I apparently have not benefitted from running the steep roads around our new home.  I can only go a half mile before encountering hills so sharply graded I must walk to avoid injury.  I turn around and continually loop the rolling hills in that half mile section -- which are tough enough by their own merit.  Even without the big hills, a short 3 mile run produces an elevation gain of over 200 feet.   Ouch.  It looks like I need to drive to a better route...the thing I've always avoided doing in the past.

Toothless, as usual...with a newly added chicken wing.

 

I runfess...

 

Speaking of home, I could tell quite a few rural critter stories.  And bad dog stories.  But oddly enough, while out running I've only seen armadillos, tortoises, snakes, and spiders.  Those spiders will drape from anything that doesn't move.  I named the gigantic banana spider living on our deck Chiquita.  We allow her to hang out as she catches other flying insects.  I've made my peace with it as she never moves from her high perch during daylight.  Her overnight web building is intricate and beautiful.  I'm not sure my recent house guests were impressed, however.   But I runfess, I haven't pointed her out to the grandkids.

 

 

Meet Chiquita

 

I runfess...

 

I'm starting a not-so-fashionable trend by wearing triathlon shorts for waterskiing.  I started this back in the Spring when the water was still a bit cool.  I later realized I just don't feel like putting on a swimsuit at sunset -- when most of my skiing is done.  Seriously, what's the point?  Plus their light compression helps to reduce body jiggling. 

 

 

No jiggling for the win!

 

 

I runfess...

 

I've been very whiny in regard to our record setting heat.  For weeks (months?) it has been relentless.  We've hit 100 actual degrees on the thermometer so many days this summer that I gave up counting them.  My motivation to train seriously is lagging.  But I'm eyeing a December half marathon and possibly even a full marathon in the Spring so I need it to cool off.  SOON.  Sadly, we are forecasted for more record heat.  But, that also means I'll water ski later into the year than I ever have before.  Sweet.
 

 

 

What do you have to Runfess?

 

 

Let's Chat!

Welcome to Coffee Talk!

Hi, there!  I'm still around and I'm so glad we could get together for coffee today.    It's been a while so there is a lot to talk about and Runfess to.  Let's chat for a few minutes.

  
I moved

I now live on a lake, deep in the woods.  Rural, nay Deliverance-esque, to say the least.  The banjos play daily.  Kidding aside, it's like living in a big bird house among the trees.  It was a big adjustment, but we're  feeling settled...somewhat. There are still unfinished projects.  After a bath remodel and a little more landscaping, I'm going to take a break.  There's always winter.   I was pretty proud of my outdoor window box project:

 

 

I snow skied

It was a blast snow skiing with our college kids during spring break.  They've both switched from snowboarding and it was so fun sharing the trails and lifts.  It snowed most days, the high temps staying in the teens, and the mid-base depth of snow was over 100 inches.  After worrying my cranky hips wouldn't be able to hang, I happily report that my body did not hurt at all after skiing all day, every day, all week.  Even after tackling the harder runs.  Hmmmm...

 



I kayaked

As always, I fretted, researched, and over-thought my kayak purchase for months.  But after returning from Colorado, I made my final decision and brought home two Precision brand kayaks. They do not disappoint.   You can fish from them if you choose.  Paddling out to see the sunset never disappoints. 

I hiked

We have a popular trail system nearby.  While my sister was visiting, we checked it out by hiking 4 miles that first day.   I RUNFESS it's too rooty {a new word} for me to run, but it's deeply shaded and thus a cool way to enjoy the outdoors on a hot summer day.    And yes, it is already summer here as we've consistently hit 90 to100 degree for weeks now.   I can't not fathom what August will be like. 

I ran a race!

Wendy came to visit recently and we ran the Beaver Trail 5k.  Seriously, doesn't everyone need a beaver T-shirt?  I have run very little, still having trouble finding my groove.  My new running routes are very technical (cough, cough -- indescribably hilly).   It's humbling.  And honestly, my body often aches and thus running is not as much fun as it once was.  Aging is not for the faint of heart.  Some days I wave my white flag.  I RUNFESS, it felt good to participate in a race even though I walked much of the last mile.   The bigger RUNFESSION, however, is that I have not run since.

 


I water skied

Although I had a late start, I'm now enjoying my favorite activity several times a week.  Naturally, Wendy and I got our tandem groove on when she was here and enjoyed some amazing solo skiing as well.  The conditions were perfect during her visit (last year, not so much) and we skied until we couldn't ski any longer.  Rocky {aka Cooter} is the best spotter ever!

So...that's what I've been up to.    How about you?

I'm linking with my friend Marcia today from Marcia's Healthy Slice.

Please stop by and join in with your own Runfessions!

I'm also linking with my buddies Coco and Deborah for coffee!  Join us!

 

And That's A Wrap (WW # 186)

One hundred and eighty six times I've posted a Weekly Wrap.  Actually, InLinkz tells me it is 187.  I'm off somewhere.  No big surprise there.  Anyway...

Tricia of MissSippiPiddlin and I met at the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon and became good friends.  I approached her about joining me in hosting a link-up where active women could connect.  I wanted to fill the void left by the closed Weekend Update but for more accountability, decided to include the entire week.  The Weekly Wrap was born in 2015.   The sunset photo was from a vacation picture taken while waiting on the Jamestown Ferry.

   

Right away, we had 14 linkers and peaked in 2016 with over 60 most weeks that year. Our highest was 69, recorded several times.  Several hundred ladies have come through our virtual doors!  Tricia accepted a new job and found the volume of reading to be a challenge.  With her blessing, I approached my dear friend Wendy from Taking The Long Way Home, who stepped in seamlessly to fill Tricia's shoes. Wendy and I met through blogging years ago and have by this point been on many fun adventures.  The new badge photo was taken on the lake where I now live.

Wendy and I have a lot on our plates.  She is studying for a new medical certification and I am busy getting our new home ready for family weekends...in addition to our usual careers, obligations, running, training etc.  After much deliberation, we've decided to end the Weekly Wrap.  Since I'm not running or racing much right now, it's hard to post on that subject, anyway.  [HoHo Runs...not.]  I also don't want to spend excessive time inside this Spring and Summer (or Fall) on my computer.  Am I closing down my blog?  No.  It's my running scrapbook.  And, I may occasionally see you on Marcia's monthly Runfessions or Coco and Deborah's monthly Coffee Date. 

There are other weekly link-ups around.   Jenn from Runs With Pugs is co-hosting the new #RIOTS.  Meranda and Lacey host Fridays with Fairytales & Fitness and Kim from Kookyrunner and Zenaida co-host Tuesday Topics.  Plus, there are many others around as well.

Blue Herons apparently poop a lot...just sayin'.

I have no races scheduled other than my hometown half marathon -- which I plan to switch to the 5k.  I've been running sporadically for a while hoping my lingering hip and piriformis issues will calm down.  Since I'll be snow skiing in Colorado soon, my return to consistent running can wait until after that.   My new neighborhood (if you can call it that!) roads are filled with huge forested hills.  I look forward to watching the seasons change on foot and on my bike.
 

It's been my pleasure meeting you -- quite a few of you in real life too.  We've celebrated victories, laughed, shared, encouraged one another, healed our bodies, commiserated and cried.  It was my honor.  I consider you all friends.  A special thanks to my sista Wendy for hosting with me [who can somehow impressively read the most blog posts before I can convince myself to get out of bed.  Cheers, my friend! ]

 

THANK YOU for joining us here on the Weekly Wrap. 

An InLinkz Link-up

New Roads (WW # 185 )

Wendy and I host this linkup for
the sole purpose of supporting active women.
We thank you for linking your 
FITNESS  RELATED  POST  with us! 

We are in our house but hardly settled.  I guess that is what happens when you move in stages and you decide to do it all yourselves.  The days I don't work, I am on my feet from sunup to bedtime; don't get me started about the stairs.  I have only run once on my new roads, leaving me with mild shin splints.  Those I attribute to the two big hills I encountered within the first mile.

Amy from She Runs By Faith is currently packing up her home for a move...impressively with three young boys under foot.  I think she is much better at multi-tasking than I am!  Did I mention she is training for another marathon too?  She very graciously accepted my panic-filled request to fill in again as guest host at the last minute.   Please show Amy lots of love.

An InLinkz Link-up

Honey, I'm Home! (WW # 184)

Wendy and I host this linkup for
the sole purpose of supporting active women.
We thank you for linking your 
FITNESS  RELATED  POST  with us! 

This week we have the sweet and lovely Michelle from Running With Attitude as our guest host.  I had the great pleasure of meeting Michelle this summer while in Chicago for the Rock N' Roll half marathon.  It truly felt as if we were old friends. [And--she really favors my favorite, trusted doctor!]  Michelle is currently working hard to lay a strong foundation before she begins training for the Chicago Marathon later in the year.  Please drop by and make her feel welcomed.  

Many thanks to Amy from She Runs By Faith for hosting last week.

 

 

We are now in our new house.  It's all downhill from here!

I hope to see you next week!

An InLinkz Link-up

Moving, Moving, Moving (WW # 183)

Wendy and I host this linkup for
the sole purpose of supporting active women.
We thank you for linking your 
FITNESS  RELATED  POST  with us! 

This week, the lovely and inspirational Amy from She Runs by Faith is guest hosting for me as I am lost in a maze of moving boxes at this point.  Even though Amy is plenty busy being a Mom to three young boys, she is also impressively training for her 11th marathon!  Please drop by and make her feel welcomed.  

Have a wonderful week.  I hope to see you soon on the other side...

An InLinkz Link-up

Randoms (WW # 182)

Wendy and I host this linkup for
the sole purpose of supporting active women.
We thank you for linking your 
FITNESS  RELATED  POST  with us! 

The sweat...

After returning from Mobile, I took a week off.   And by off, I mean nothing. My lack of activity, along with a nasty cold, left me feeling sluggish.  I was in desperate need of cardio this week.  Since I wanted to give my piriformis more rest, I hopped on my bike trainer a few days.  I logged a total of 32.75 miles over three evening rides.  It felt good to sweat out the remnants of my cold while catching up on favorite TV shows.  

Cycling between the boxes...

Saturday, I laced up for a run and I found my piriformis issue still lingers.  No better.  No worse.  Obviously, it isn't debilitating but it's very frustrating nonetheless.  Since I don't feel it until I run, I get fooled into believing it's gone.  I ran 5.3 steady miles.   Sunday I opted for another easy run.  This time I ran 6 miles for a weekly total of 11.3.  Both runs were slow but also mostly progressively paced.


Some reflection...

As my time in this neighborhood comes to an end, I've been thinking what a lucky runner I was to live here.  Inside a small and secluded subdivision, the quiet streets were a runner's dream.  Even the hills came in handy.  The adjacent city park was a great place for interval training.  It was also the perfect place to find shade for those last few miles of a long training run on a hot, sunny day.

I look forward to exploring my new running routes.  The roads will be heavily wooded and very rural.   It will be an adjustment.  For example, I'll now be required to run with illumination; something I previously could skip on an early morning run.  And pepper spray.  Not that pepper spray will deter a bear.  Or cougars.  OR BIG FOOT.  

.

This happened...

I have zero expectations of being selected to run the NYC marathon.  But after not getting in for several years, I felt the need to try one more time.  I'm not getting any younger here.  Being chosen would definitely be a kick in my lack-of-motivation pants.  It would also be a great excuse to visit NYC again.  It's been more than ten years.  Stay tuned.


I tried this...

Grocery shopping is such a chore for me.  Since our kids have flown the coop, I don't cook much any more.  Wandering aimlessly around the grocery store trying to think of what to buy is exhausting.  This week, I tried Walmart's Grocery service.  I pass by on my way home every day anyway.  Loved it!  [And it's no secret that I'm NOT a fan of Walmart.]  It took mere minutes to pick up my order.  I never left my car and it was raining heavily.  The employees were super nice as well, unlike the last time I was inside the store.  I downloaded the app and can just put items in my cart when I think of them.  Why did it take me so long to do this?  Oh wait, did I mention --  it's FREE.


One final note...

In the coming weeks, we'll be busy moving into our new home and settling into a new routine. I may not even have internet connection for a while.   I've lined up a few guests hosts just in case.  Please make them feel welcomed.

And that's a wrap!

Tell me something random from your week!

An InLinkz Link-up

Mobile Half Marathon (WW # 181)

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Mobile Half Marathon

Mobile, AL
January 13, 2019

Half Marathon # 59



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Alternate Post Titles:

We Ate Our Way Through Mobile

You CAN Eat Oysters Every Day

Do Ghosts Need Toilet Paper?

I Came Home With a Bad Cold

Isn't that the most festive looking finish line you've ever seen?  Oops.  I'm getting ahead of myself.

I've run this half three times in 2014, 2015, and 2018 when it was known as First Light.  I've also done other halves in Mobile [the correct southern pronunciation is Moe-BEEEEL] while running in the Biggest Loser series.   It is a favorite location with races usually starting and ending in their quaint French Quarter.   Did you know Mobile is known for the first Mardi Gras celebration?  Surprisingly, not New Orleans.

This race is small but the direction is top notch.  Knowing I was under trained from nursing a sore piriformis, I expected to do a lot of walking and that my time would probably be a personal worse for the course [spoiler: it was].  But, I didn't want to cancel as I was so looking forward to spending the weekend with my friends.

Mobile's famous Dauphin Street in the French Quarter

I picked Wendy up from the airport and we lunched on the recommendation of a coworker at Panini Pete's.  It did not disappoint.  We then chilled curbside on Dauphin Street basking in the sunshine while waiting on Teresa.  After finally coming up for air in our nonstop three-way conversation,  we drove out across the bay where we dined at The Oyster House.  Their grilled oysters...scrumptious.  The blended Key Lime Pie dessert drink...sinful.

We stayed at the Malaga Inn; the original buildings dating back to 1862 with room seven supposedly haunted.  The property was beautiful, surrounding a lovely courtyard with fountain.  The rooms were charming and appropriately dated.  Unfortunately, so was the service.   [Or perhaps the ghost took our toilet paper and towels?]  Best of all, it was just blocks from the race making logistics super easy.

The obligatory beach shot.

While waiting for Karen to arrive, we spent Saturday on Dauphin Island.  The beach was stormy and windy but we found the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and enjoyed stretching our legs with some easy hiking on its wooded trails.  We even spotted an alligator!

Hello, little guy!

We had an incredible lunch at Beached; the shrimp and grits outstanding.  It was a surprising find in the deserted, off-season vacation town. Returning to the city, we hit up the small race expo and perused the French Quarter for souvenirs.  I had to buy the Santa ornament made from an oyster shell.  After more relaxing chatter over dinner, and some very entertaining people watching, we snagged Karen from the airport just before bedtime. 

Race morning was so easy!  We walked over just minutes before the start and had our picture made with a few of the Azalea Trail Maids.  The weather was nearly perfect at a cloudy 52 degrees (but with 13 mph wind).  A few minutes after starting, I spotted Karen and we ran together for a while.  I felt OK maintaining a sub 10 pace but knew that wouldn't last.  My lack of endurance would soon show up.  I caught up with Wendy near the halfway point.  She was singing along with her playlist so I knew she was having a good race.  We ran together for a mile, maybe more, but then I dropped back.  I was completely spent by mile 8.

I incorporated walk breaks after that; nothing official -- just when I tired.  The later it got, the more I walked.  I can't say enough about the plentiful volunteers and law enforcement working the race. Although I enjoyed the course with its impressive canopy of mossy oaks and charming homes, I was happy to see the finish line.  I celebrated with a fist pump when they called my name.  A resident of L'Arche Mobile gave me a hand-crafted finishers medal.  It's such a special touch that the benefactors make the medals and award plaques themselves.

WHOOT!  I'm done.  Official time 2:17:33.

We sampled the post-race fare of yummy red beans and rice (with cornbread, naturally) but didn't hang around long.  Even though they had a fantastic Dixieland band to entertain us, it had gotten colder and hotel checkout was looming.  We couldn't end our trip without more fresh seafood so we headed back out to the bay where we dined at Blue Gills (more oysters for the win!) and lingered a long time over coffee on their deck.  As I'm sure you can relate, when girlfriends are together the conversation never stops.

Karen and I wearing our handmade medals.

Reflecting back on my last few half marathons, I need to find a way to focus less on pace and finish times.  And I'll be the first to admit that it's hard for me to do.  But, I'm aging.  My body hurts somewhere most every day.  The pressure to perform at a good-for-me pace is adding a certain level of stress. However, I think sharing a race with friends is certainly a step in the right direction for finding my happy running place again.

One thing is for certain.  I'd do this weekend over and over again.  Race clock be damned.

And that's a wrap!

Have you ever visited Mobile, Alabama?

Have you been to a Mardi Gras parade or event?

Many thanks to Kim from Kooky Runner for stepping in as guest host last week!

Wendy and I host this linkup for
the sole purpose of supporting active women.
We thank you for linking your 
FITNESS  RELATED  POST  with us!

An InLinkz Link-up

I Need A Break (WW # 180)

Wendy and I host this linkup for
the sole purpose of supporting active women.
We thank you for linking your 
FITNESS  RELATED  POST  with us! 

I'm taking a breather this week and handing the reins over to the delightful and vivacious Kim from Kooky Runner.  Please check out Kim's blog and follow along as she works to smash the impressive goals she has set for 2019.

I'll be back next Sunday with a race recap of the Mobile Half Marathon.   As always, we appreciate you linking with us right here on the Weekly Wrap.  Have a wonderful week!

An InLinkz Link-up

Looking Ahead...or Not (WW # 179)

Happy New Year Weekly Wrappers!

Wendy and I host this linkup for
the sole purpose of supporting active women.
We thank you for linking your 
FITNESS  RELATED  POST  with us! 

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Although it seems to work well for most everyone I know, I'm not a fan of planning too far ahead any more.  Back in the day, I'd plan and research...and plan some more.  I don't set official goals or New Year's resolutions.  I could never understand -- if something is wrong, why would you wait until January 1st to do anything about it?
 

CHEERS to the New Year!

Of course, general ideas form throughout the year of new adventures to try, places to visit, races to enter, or even unpleasant chores to finally tackle.  But one reason I don't push those REGISTER or BOOK NOW buttons well in advance is that it takes away my ability to be spontaneous.  You never know what opportunities will pop up throughout the year.  That can also be said for injuries, unfortunately.  These days, I'm more go with the flow and have no shame in signing up last minute.

Next weekend, I'm meeting Wendy, Teresa and Karen for Mobile's half marathon.  After limiting my running for a month, I still have a pain in my ass.  Literally.  There may be more walking than running for me.  I've been under a lot of stress lately, so more than anything I'm looking forward to spending time with the girls.

While it was dirt cheap, I registered for my hometown half marathon in March.  That's all the races I have on my calendar so far.  Unfortunately, for a while my racing will be dictated by my sore bum.

In other news, we will be moving to a lake home in a few weeks.  This will occupy (and has already occupied) the majority of my time for a while.  If I never see another cardboard box, it will be too soon.  [If anyone is interested in guest hosting the Weekly Wrap, please send me an email.]  I'm ready to be settled so I can get back to a routine; even if it's a different one.  Side note: you're not going to believe the hills in my new neighborhood!  EEK. 

We hope to go snow skiing in Colorado with the college kids for Spring Break; an unbelievable, mere 9 weeks away.  I'm very excited about that.  That's as far as my ideas go for now...

And that's a wrap!

What are you looking forward to most in the upcoming weeks?

Do you have your whole year planned out?

An InLinkz Link-up

Looking Back at 2018 (WW # 178)

It is so hard to condense a year into one post.  I tried!  And I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting something noteworthy.  While it was amazing year spending time with family and friends, of new adventures, of race-cations and more -- I certainly had my share of struggles as well.  I hope you'll hang tight as I take a peek at the highlights. 

***  WINTER  ***

The year began with a January day trip with gal pals to Mobile for the First Light Half Marathon.  It was the coldest race I've ever run with a feels like of 17 degrees.  I was surprised to place in the Grandmasters category with a 2:08.  I followed that a few weeks later with the always hilly but always beautiful Callaway Gardens Half Marathon.   I won a beer stein for my efforts in their small turnout.

Having fun with expo props at Mercedes
with Wendy and Val (#icecreamrunner)

Wendy and I joined forces in February for the Mercedes Half Marathon.  After first reporting a chance of snow and cold temps, that eventually morphed into warm and muggy with heavy rain.   You know we had tons of fun but we still talk about that awful humidity.  It will forever be the Litmus Test to compare all other races {At least it wasn't as bad as Mercedes!}.  I suffered horrible cramps which carried over to my next race.

Enjoying post run fare with Laurie and Kaye

The Montgomery Half Marathon came next.   It's always fun connecting with local running friends. but I was again plagued with cramps.  Humidity always does a number on me.  At least it wasn't as bad as Mercedes.  [See how that works?]

***  SPRING  ***

Late March found me in Gatlinburg, TN where I hiked with our middle son in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains. Over two days we traversed through water, mud, ice and snow for a total 17.2 miles with an ascent (and corresponding brutal decent) of 5,505 feet.  OOF.  We then spent time in Chattanooga where I shuffled my sore post-hiking body through the Raccoon Mountain Half Marathon and he the 10k.  The course was sadly mis-marked and short of the half distance. However, we received a real coonskin cap and other great swag.

I went on to run the Centerpoint Half Marathon in April and felt my time of 2:06 was an improvement over the way I had been running so far in the year.  I  placed second in my age group in this small town race.

Marathon Training in the backwoods Florida heat.

A trip to the beach soon after found me in full marathon training mode.  After a 16 miles weekend run there followed by a 17 mile weekend run at home, I ran the Tear Drop Half Marathon.  Since I had chosen this course for downhill speed work for my upcoming downhill marathon, I ran with no rest or taper. BOOM!  I was thrilled with a 1:58+ and replaced a PR set back in 2014.

Holy Crap!  I DID IT.

I finished marathon training in May clocking my final two long runs of 18 and 20 miles.  I ran our local Jubilee 8k as one final chance for speed training.  After an awful performance in summer-like conditions, I was left wondering how on earth I would get through 26 miles in just a few short weeks.  We also celebrated our last son's high school graduation.  Soon, we would be official empty nesters.

***  SUMMER  ***

June found me high atop Colorado's Rocky Mountains at 10,507 feet for a PR attempt on REVEL's downhill marathon course.  Having snow skied a few times and run a half marathon in CO, I knew the risks of high altitude.  I crossed the halfway timing mat with a pleasing 2:05 and then suddenly became very ill.  I was able to finish in 4:48 with more walking than running during the last half.  Teresa and I had been trapped in transportation hell with little sleep, perhaps triggering the altitude sickness, but rest assured -- there was plenty of giggling over the weekend.

I flew from Denver to sea level on the Florida panhandle where I did not move from my beach chair for a few days.  I was eventually able to slowly shuffle around and enjoyed kayaking with the family in beautiful Holmes County Creek.  We swam in the crystal clear springs.

Go AUM Green!

With a nasty lingering illness as we traveled to watch our grandson's baseball team advance from City to Regional to State Playoffs (and later on to the Dixie Youth World Series) it was soon time for the Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in July.

On the streets of Chicago with Marcia & Wendy.

It poured buckets of rain in Chicago and my endurance was sorely missing from being sick and under trained.  But, it was a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with fellow blogging friends and finally meet feels-like-we've-already-met friends too.

Kim, Linda, Wendy, Deborah, Sara, Michelle, Kim
Marcia, Me, Susie (& Lindsey not pictured) enjoyed a lovely brunch.

After Wendy graciously hosted my visit to Chicago, I returned the favor as she came to water ski in August.   It's a rare treat to ski in tandem!  We enjoyed a couple of days of skiing, pool shenanigans, back porch swinging and even a little running too.

Always looking for new ways to have fun, I threw in a Coosa River Adventure complete with rapids and tipped kayaks (OK OK, that was just me).  It was so much fun that I repeated the adventure with my sons and sister.  We began to prepare our home of over 19 years to be placed on the market; thinking this would be a great empty nest diversion.  Little did I know how stressful that would be.

***  FALL  ***

After a slow start, I packed a lot of waterskiing into late summer.  September's final weekend found me on my last run of the season.  We continued to stay busy throughout early fall viewing lake properties and readying our own house for sale...and watching college football.   ROLL TIDE 

While upping my base mileage from a low summer season, I ran my first 5k of the year in October and another in November, both rewarding me with age group wins.   I wanted to run more 5ks but we had heavy rain most weekends this fall.  I felt strong in our city's Capitol 10 Miler and hoped it would translate well to my first half marathon of our racing season.

Although very festive, December's Candyland Half was disappointing.  Those hills never stopped coming and my aging body simply hurt the whole time.  It still does.

We've received several offers on our home recently and as the year winds down, we've contracted with a buyer.  We will be starting a new chapter.  There will be new roads to run,  mountainous hills to conquer on foot and bike, many slalom sprays to make, and other water adventures too.  Most importantly...we hope to make many wonderful memories with family and friends.

And that's a wrap!

Happy New Year Weekly Wrappers!

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