Back Home (WW # 38)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!

This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!  {See rules}   

We are thrilled that we continue to have a record number of linkers each week.  Thank You!  The support and camaraderie are truly priceless.  Please return later in the week and interact with more women.   It's an excellent way to make new friends and gain invaluable support, all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  

*******************************************************

I didn't recap the Destin Half last week and I'll try to keep it short.  As you know, Tricia was by my side for half #40.  I wanted a 2:05 or less, a slight improvement over my last one.  My plan was to average a 9:30 and speed up in the last few miles.  The course was out and back, directly west and then east -- not a loop, a straight line.  The bridge over the bay was stunning, although I did a lot of weaving on the first pass.  Most miles (4 out plus 4 back) were through the Gulf Islands National Seashore with the bay on one side and the ocean on the other.   My plan was working OK and I could feel the wind at my back.  It was warm and I thought "that's going to feel good when I turn around".  {Bahahaha.} 

At the turn around, I knew I was in deep trouble.  Hello, wind!  I saw Tricia coming my way and we high-fived for luck.  My plan quickly changed from 9:30 to "don't go over 10".  I did this for 2 miles...and was utterly exhausted.   I was now back at the section with the bay on the left and the ocean on the right.   For 4 miles, there was absolutely nothing to break the wind.  Watching the kite surfers was very entertaining, however!   I ran so closely behind a pair of ladies, I know they wanted to smack me.   I was tired of the roar in my ears as my Yurbuds amplify wind noise.  {Anybody else?}  My plan changed to "just hang on".   My feet cramped in mile 10 but after two quick stops to stretch, they were OK.  

When I reached the bridge again, this time I walked across the peak.  The view was spectacular as fishing boats were coming out from underneath to head into the ocean.  The sky and water were a stunning blue.  I took a few seconds to reflect on the scene, the ability and opportunity to have run 40 of these things, and just take in and appreciate the moment.  My time didn't matter.  I picked it back up going down the bridge and smoked my two wind buffers in the final mile.  {Sorry ladies, but thank you!}.  I finished with a hard fought 2:14 -- a far cry from the original plan.  I was 13 out of 54 in my age group

Was I upset?  Heck, no.  Part of why I love doing this is because every race is different.  You never know what you will get.  I conquered the wind on this day!  The race direction was excellent.  The expo exceeded expectations as well as the after party at beautiful Harbor Walk.  We even got to pick out a pair of flipflops at the finish line.  I would definitely do it again, sans wind of course.  The medal?  HUGE!  It also can be mounted as a bottle opener.  {Hands off honey, it's going on my medal rack!}

The weekend with Tricia and her husband was a blast.

To see our pictures and read about our shenanigans >>GO HERE<< !

Weekly Wrap



M -- 4 miles beach recovery run
T  -- strength (a plank PR!)
W -- 5 miles progressive
        (10:02 / 9:52 / 9:27 / 9:15 / 8:49)
T  -- strength
F  -- REST
S  -- 3 miles (5k race) 
S  -- 6 miles

Total -- 18 miles

I received exciting news on Thursday.  I was selected to run the Chicago Marathon again.  If you are new to my blog, this is the race I had to DNS after developing a stress fracture in my left foot just two weeks before the race.  That's right...after all the training was done.  It was a hard pill to swallow.  I'd like to finish what I started. 

In continuing with my "run more 5ks to get faster" plan, Saturday I participated in the CCAD 5k benefiting autism.  It was sunny and 65 degrees (warm in my book).  I went out too fast (8:39) hung on during mile 2 (8:54) tanked during the last mile (9:18) and sprinted to the finish (7:56).  My overall official pace was 8:55.  Although I'm happy with anything that starts with "8", I was disappointed I allowed myself to walk in the last mile.  Why.did.I.do.that?  I placed 2nd in my 10-year bracket.  A huge shout out to Debra from HappyRunningSole who placed 2nd overall female!  The awards were cute bobble head trophies. 

Sunday's scheduled long run was not great.  I had no energy whatsoever but I chugged along until mile 6 and called it a day.   Afterward I felt sick to my stomach for a while.  It was just one of those runs you sometimes have.  It's possible the heat and humidity are already a factor.  Please say it ain't so...

And that's a wrap!

There was a lot of racing going on this weekend!  Did you race?

What was the most exciting thing about your week?

An InLinkz Link-up

Weekly Wrap #5

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!

This weekly linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  The purpose is to connect with and support other active women.  We want to hear about your weekly adventures.  You are encouraged to include anything you did to be active or anything you considered fun.  Please tell us how you amazing women accomplish it all.  You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  See rules here.

We know it's Labor Day,

and that's OK.

So feel free to link up

on Tuesday!

Monday is almost always a rest day, whether I'm training or not.  Transitioning back to work is a workout in itself.  My sister flew home and I always hate to see her leave.  Tuesday I ran 6 miles at an easy recovery pace of 10:20.  There was a beautiful bright moon when I started out and an incredible sunrise a little later.

Wednesday morning, I did not want to get out of bed.  I planned to do between 6-7 miles at race pace, even though there were only 5 on the training plan I don't really follow.  I felt so zapped that the scheduled 5 was all I could do.  My pace was 9:30.  It was all I had.  Heat and humidity really suck the life right out of me and I was just about at my breaking point.

Thursday was an appreciated rest day.  Friday morning, again, I didn't want to get up.  Guess what?  I did!  I always do.  I ran 5 miles at a 10:10 pace.  I still felt exhausted and another step closer to my breaking point.

Saturday was the usual lake day, the one thing I will miss dearly when the weather changes.  We got a very late start and had to dodge storms but I got three runs in.  I'm still experimenting with my GoPro and this time wore it on my head instead of my vest.  When PoPo gave it to me, he included a head strap thinking I would want to run and film a race that way.   Umm....no thanks.  But it came in handy for water skiing.

Here are two very short clips.  Tell me something I say in the first clip and I'll give you a virtual cookie!  I apologize in advance for the foul language in the second clip.  I'm ticked that we had to make a really sharp turn!  But I found it quite funny that I forgot all about the heavy camera on my head!  We ate Mexican on the way home complete with a large Italian Margarita {yes at the Mexican restaurant!}.  Naturally, we watched football when we got home.  Roll Tide Roll.





Well, the day to hit 20 miles in my Chicago Marathon training had finally come.  Honestly, I had been dreading it all week because I was tired and the weather...blech.  I made myself get up Sunday at 5:30.  It was as warm and muggy as predicted.  I ate a small banana and most of a yogurt and headed out.  I decided not to pay much attention to my watch and mentally divided the run into three 7 mile segments for a total of 21 miles.  I was determined to find the positives in this run no matter what happened.  But, I didn't have to search for them because... IT.WAS.GREAT.

The thought of the plunge and a huge cup of coffee were the two things that kept me going!

I am the world's worst about deciding the outcome of something before I do it.  Why do I psych myself out like that?  Every time I turned toward the east, I felt the nicest breeze and that helped so much!  I ate 4 GU Roctanes, took 5 SaltSick capsules, drank 34 ounces of Gatorade Endurance, and drank 34-48 ounces of water.  The last few miles were pretty tough as it was in the mid 80s by that point and I was losing the shade.  No cramps, no chafing, no pain, no nausea = no problem.

I ran 37 miles this week and the dreaded 20+ miler was NO BIG DEAL.  I wish everyone a Happy Labor Day.  We will head back to the lake again {SQUEE} and plan to grill steaks afterwards.  I only hope I have enough energy to put my ski on. 

And that's a wrap!

Tell me something about your week!

What are your Labor Day plans?

And we'd love you to also WRAP IT UP WITH US.


Don't forget about the hop!
It's the last week to include your blog.  
Please join us!

An InLinkz Link-up

Number 100

Mizuno Wave Inspires

Yippee!  My new Mizunos arrived.  I haven't worn them yet as I'm saving them for a short weekday run.  I'm not sure how I feel about the lemon yellow.  I'm more of a neon yellow gal.  But, at least it's a color I've never had.

Saturday morning, I completed my first official long run as part of my training for the Chicago Marathon.  I ran 10 miles, nice and slow at an average pace of 10:30.  I felt good, much better than anticipated.  It was very hot, but I picked up a slight breeze in certain directions.  The front of my right hip has been bothering me this past week, but I am greatly encouraged that it felt better on this run.  I purposely kept my stride short, light and sloowwww.

Must. Stay. Healthy. Repeat.

Darn that stupid leaf!

At the end of my run it was about 85 degrees...at only 8 o'clock in the morning!!  I didn't think twice before jumping in the pool.  Thankfully, I remembered to take off my electronic devices (my Garmin has survived one plunge!).  The pool water was probably the same temperature if not warmer, but it still felt refreshing as my body temperature was surely 1000 degrees.  The thought of taking that plunge was the only thing that got me through the last two hot miles.

After a couple of cups of coffee in my porch swing, I worked in the yard (you know how I love it!).  Our new sod was finally laid out front after being on back order for months.  (Who knew grass could be on back order?)  It is absolutely beautiful but makes my landscaping look pitiful.  I had to get out there and start working!  It will take quite a few weekends of work.

We have grass again!

We had our Father's Day celebration Saturday afternoon just chillin' in the pool.  I recently posted about My Dad, who has been gone for many years.

Our grandson helped PoPo cut down a tree in the front yard.  He worked so hard moving and stacking those limbs.  It's all he could talk about later.  He also spent the night with us, so of course we had to bake cookies -- peanut butter with chocolate chips.  He slept like a rock.

Sunday, I did as little as possible.  I had another steroid shot in my elbow Friday.  The first shot lasted about 10 weeks, but then the pain returned with a vengeance.  I don't think this shot has taken affect yet -- or maybe my elbow is just sore from the shot itself -- or maybe I shouldn't have worked so hard in the yard!  Whatever the reason, after the training run and busy Saturday, my butt and elbow were dragging Sunday. 

Lastly, I just want to mention this is my 100th post.  As a baby blogger, I truly appreciate anyone who has taken the time to read it and especially those who took the time to comment.  That's my favorite part.  Thank you for letting me into your world and being a friend.

Tell me about your weekend!

 

I'm linking up with Tara who is the gracious host of the wonderful Weekend Update.  

Please visit Tara as well as all of the participating bloggers.

Thinking Out Loud

Today I'm linking up with Amanda @ Running With Spoons for Thinking Out Loud.

Please take time to visit Amanda and the other bloggers linked up on her site.

Well, let's see.  What is rattling around in my brain today?


Saturday is my 4th and final half marathon in my self imposed series of 4 within 21 days.  I'm already worried about my post-race gloominess.  I love to race and I'm going to have withdrawals!   There is not even a local 5k on the horizon.  Now, what am I supposed to do with myself?

I organized this streak just to move up a moon level in Half Fanatics.  Guess what? Nobody cares about my moon level!  This is simply to satisfy my "slightly obsessive", goal-oriented self.

Jupiter, here I come!

Speaking of Half Fanatics, I'm confused.  They call it moon levels, but the levels are names of planets.  For example, I'm currently a Saturn and will move to Jupiter after Saturday.  After that, the next level is Mars.  Those are names of planets!  Why are they making this so confusing?



Well, I did it.  I threw my name in the lottery for the 
Chicago Marathon.  I'm leaving this one to fate.  If I don't get in, I'll choose another race for my first marathon.  GO BIG or GO HOME, as they say.   The only thing going for me is this would be a big inconvenience as far as timing and travel goes.  So, for this reason alone...I may just get in!




I wish there was no Spring Forward.  I do not like running in complete darkness in the mornings. 




 Did anyone catch the premiere of the new A&E series The Returned?  Eerie.  I can't wait to see the next episode! It is airing on Mondays after Bates Motel, another favorite!

Well, that's what I've been thinking.  What about you?