Really, I have been running...

I just haven't been posting any of it here.

Some big things have happened:

I ran a half marathon.

My job has allowed me to start a running club and be involved in managing the club.

I am trying to increase my usual workout from 3 or 4 miles to 6. And I want to do it in under an hour.

I run even if my friends can't join me.

I miss running when I am unable to get to the gym.

Which reminds me, I better get running...

Back on Track

I think I am finally back on the right track. I had a few annoying injuries and the surgery in May. I was allowed to start running again in late June. It was tough getting back, but I feel like I am back to where I was before April.

I ran the Palmer Lake 4 on the Fourth Run. 4 miles - 38:52
Thanks to Karen for running with me. It made for a fun morning.


This weekend was another big milestone, my first 10K. The Classic 10K was run from Tiffany Square to North Monument Valley Park. My boys dropped me at the start and cheered me on at the end. Thanks guys! 10K - 1:00:09

Waiting

Doogie Houser sent me for an x-ray. I tried to pump the x-ray tech for info, all she said was, "You should wrap it for support." What does that mean? Muscle injury, shin splints, or stress fracture?

What a pain!

My left leg hurts.

It started after the April Nielson challenge. I iced it and rested it for a few days and it felt a little better. I took a few Aleve and ran the Tortoise and the Hare 5K this past Saturday. Then it really hurt. I iced it and rested it. And iced it and rested it. Some running friends said "shin splints" other running friends said "stress fracture." I have been limping around for 5 days. This morning I am limping into the doctor's office for a professional opinion.

I have a feeling this will be bad news for my running season.

What is in a number?

My weight was written on my racing bib. I had to walk around like that for 20 minutes before the race. I had to run the race with my weight listed. I may be in need of some therapy after this run.

The Tortoise & Hare 5K is a handicap race. You get your bib, give your age (38), height (64 inches), and get on the scale (I am not posting my weight). They figure everyone's handicap and start the clock counting backward from 20 minutes. This is supposed to level the field by taking into account the limitations of running with more weight on your shorter, old legs. When it gets to your number handicap you start running. My handicap 9:24. So I had a 9 minute headstart over the punks lined up behind me snickering about my weight.

My cheering section was very vocal. Thanks boys! The chants of "Go Mommy Go" really helped me focus on the finish.

I finished in 28:17. Crossed the finish line 28th. And beat those snickering punks.

However, if I had known that your weight was listed on the bib, I wouldn't have gotten out of bed this morning. Hopefully by next year I will have forgotten or lost 20 pounds. On the bright side, I beat my last 5K by 7 seconds. And of the 27 people ahead of me, only 1 had a higher handicap. So, I am pretty good for an old, short, chunky chick.

It was a beautiful day for a run...

...and I convinced my mom friends to join me! Thanks Jennifer, Paula and Karen. This was Monica's second month to run! I think it is always more fun to run with friends. I am always trying to recruit the moms to come out and run. Paula even asked me if the race organizers were giving me a commission!

My time improved over last month, 18:07, and I ran the entire thing. I usually walk a tiny bit of the back loop but not this time. This is my last Nielson challenge for a few months, I am having some scheduling conflicts with other races and summer vacations coming up.

My next race will be Tortoise and Hare 5K handicap challenge, April 12th. They use your age and weight to determine your handicap so I should be AWESOME!!

Then the UCCS Bash the Bluffs, April 27th. They have a 10K and 5K, I havent decided which I am doing yet...

still chugging along..

Yes, it has been a while since I posted. I had some soreness in my left knee that I am attributing to my left ankle injury. So I took it easy and have been going slow and steady even since. No big 10Ks, just a few easy miles every few days. I am also trying to get some cycling, StairMaster and weights into my workout. I have been reading every running book I can get my hands on too!

The Nielsen challenge is Saturday and I may have recruited more moms to come out and run. It is an easy course, and gives you a good way to measure your progress.

My latest big achievement is that I crossed the 200 mile mark on my nikeplus. I crossed the 100 mile mark in November, so I have logged 100 miles since then. In fact I have over 91 miles so far this year. At this rate I may be able to hit 400 miles this year.

My next big race is the Take 5 in the Garden (Garden of the Gods), I plan to do the 5 mile race. It is VERY hilly, if it would stop snowing I could go out and run....Come on summer, I am ready.

As a side note, Griffin has joined the Landsharks, an elementary school track program. He is quick too. I will post his results after his meets.