Still plugging on....three weeks to go! 

STILL ON TRACK!

In case you thought I gave up, I didn't!  I'm still plugging along, just not good at getting to the blog.  I did 22 miles last week ... not sure about this week, bad weather out there.  But I'm on track to do a marathon in January in Carlsbad...so GO ME! 

THE DATE IS SET FOR FIRST MARATHON!

Well, the date is set for the run of a lifetime.  January 19, 2014, in Carlsbad, California, I will be running that MARATHON BEFORE I TURN 50!  I don't know if Carlsbad was the best choice for a full marathon, but I will find out!  I've run the half, so I know part of the course anyway.  I know I can do at least half of it!

So I'm on my way...this weekend I'll be up to 20 miles!  I'm on my way.

Claremont 4th of July 5K

So, it's taken me a while to blog about our most recent run, which was the Claremont 4th of July 5K. 

It was a very warm day, even warm at 8 a.m.  Thankfully, a lot of the course was shaded by big beautiful trees, which kept us cool...or at least cooler.  ;)  It was great turnout for a fun race.  We ran through the streets by a park and by Claremont College which had beautiful old buildings as part of their campus.  There was great support from the residents, even though they had questionable senses of humor, telling us we were halfway when we had about a tenth of a mile to go.   Unfortunately, there was a casualty of this race, one guy was down for the count at the side of the road - hope he ended up being okay. 

Looking forward to the next race, AFC in San Diego.  A little nervous, have to do 13 miles in 3 hours.  Hopefully I don't become a casualty too!  

I'm still here...

Just wanted to let you know out in blog land that I am still here, still plugging away, still running, still working on hills!  So I haven't given up yet. 

12 miles

Yesterday I did 12 miles running/walking.  My toes were killing me!  We have a lot of hills in our area - not too good at hills.  The marathon I do will have to be downhill or flat. 

Next week I plan to do 13 miles, but I have to figure out what to do about my toes.

Still running!

So I'm still here, still running on.  I had a bit of a "why am I doing this" moment, but I got through it.  I'm enjoying running again and trying to get a little faster.  I've noticed a few more pounds coming off, so that's good too!  I think by the time I get to that 26 mile point, I will have lost most of the weight I want to lose too, so that's an added bonus. 

I've noticed lately a lot of people are getting into the "run my first marathon" kick, but I won't let them steal my thunder, I'm still working towards that goal of my first marathon before age 50.  I will make it! 

Struggling

Well, I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I don't think I realized that it might not be realistic at all.  It seems like I'm getting slower and having more difficulty keeping going.   I'm not sure whether to take a break or keep at it.  We'll see and I'll keep you posted.

LA JOLLA 5K, APRIL 28, 2013

This past weekend we did a 5K in beautiful La Jolla, California, which is down in San Diego area.  It was perfect weather for a race, a little overcast, but not cold.  This race is a smaller part of the La Jolla Half Marathon, which is a really tough half that starts in Del Mar and ends in La Jolla Cove.   That one is a bit too tough for me - maybe next year.  The 5K itself is an interesting race, it starts out with a long downhill, goes through some neighborhoods and by the beach and has a tough uphill towards the end, with the last half mile or so leading you down into the cove. 

It was a well run race as usual, with lots of great volunteers and well organized.  The only complaint I had was my T-shirt, which was, well, a bit small - like child size.  Ah well, as if I don't have more T-shirts than I know what to do with at this point!

Knee pain....uh oh...

Uh-oh, having knee pain when running.  Hoping this doesn't sideline me just when I'm getting things moving.  Stay tuned....

Santa Anita Derby 5K

I recently had the pleasure of doing the Santa Anita 5K in the beginning of April.  It was in Pasadena at the Santa Anita race track.  We started the race by going through an authentic starting gate that the thoroughbreds go through - that was an interesting experience!  I didn't feel like a thoroughbred, more like a clydesdale.  ;)  Anyway, then the race wound its way through the beautiful LA arboretum - being spring, it was beautiful green with flowers blooming and baby geese, very nice.  We ended the race on the track in Santa Anita - gives you somewhat of an idea of what those horses go through - the track felt enormous! 

It was a beautiful, fun race, and a great time.  I'm looking forward to doing a little bit longer of a race soon, but this weekend we have the La Jolla 5K in San Diego - this is a repeat for us, should be lots of fun.  The weekend after that, May 4, we'll be doing a 10K in Wine Country...wine and running?  We'll see. 

SAN DIEGO HALF MARATHON MARCH 10, 2013

Wow, I can't believe it's taken me this long to blog about the San Diego Marathon on March 10!  It was a great, well run race, and of course the most beautiful, interesting, and historic location! 

http://gaslamp.org/

We journeyed down to San Diego from Riverside on March 9, the Saturday before the race.  It had actually rained the day before, so we were a little worried about what race day might bring us.  It was a little brisk and windy for the Expo, which was held at the pavilion on the harbor, across from the Midway, an aircraft carrier turned museum.  The expo was well run and full of interesting exhibits with all the stuff you'd ever want as a runner, blocks, sports drinks, socks, Halo headbands, etc, etc.  We journeyed through the expo and picked up our bibs, goodie bags, and, of course, the wonderful shirts for the half.  We encounted a runner from Japan and his camera crew - he was running for tsunami victims in Japan.  Pretty cool.

That night we journeyed down, on foot of course, to find out where the start of the half would be and also where my husband would pick up the bus for the 5K the next morning.  Our journey took us past the San Diego Convention Center to Petco Stadium, where we located the parking lot where he would pick up the bus and also where the start to the half would be.  This turned out to be very helpful the next day. 

http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=sd

Early the next morning, March 10, we woke up around 5 and walked ourselves down to the same location, dropped off the hubby, and located the many porta-potties that were provided.  We stretched and waited for the race to begin.  The race was started in waves, which always is a little embarrassing for me, I'm usually in the slowest wave, which in this race turned out to be Wave 15!  Yikes.  My daughter was in a respectable  Wave 8.   Anway, it took a while for my wave to get to the Omni Sky Bridge and the start of the race.  Starting one of these races is always so exciting!  Your adrenaline is pumping and the announcer is encouraging you over the PA system and you almost think, hey, I can do this thing in 2 hours!  HAHAHAHAHA!  Then we were under the sky bridge and on our way.

And, oh, the San Diego weather did not let us down.  It was an absolutely gorgeous, perfect running day.  We ran through the Gas Lamp District and out by the harbor and the site of the previous day's expo.  I felt good, almost like I could just keep running and running.  I did pretty well, just kept a reasonable pace, trying to keep up with the 3 hour pacer, which I did for a while.  We ran past harbor island and scene of some historical restoration, also through a base, and by the Corvette Diner.  We ran a ways and I thought how great it is to see so much of San Diego, running down streets that I had previously driven down - when I had driven I never in my wildest thoughts imagined myself running down them!

At mile 9 began the 2 mile hike up to Hillcrest.  Oh....what can I say about that?  Except that running up this hill was out of the question for me.  I kept a pretty good walking pace, passing a couple of people that didn't quite make it - it was quite a challenge.  Then we were up the hill and into Hillcrest with the sights and sounds and smells - oh, the smells!  So many tantalizing restaurants!  The urge to stop and have a pizza was pretty overwhelming.  Once we were through Hillcrest we were in a nice downhill stretch that took us once again into the Gaslamp District and to our finish line.  What a great feeling to finish that race, have my finisher's medal put around my neck by a member of the US military!  It was a fantastic race, a fantastic day, and a fantastic accomplishment. 

Stay tuned for stories of the Santa Anita 5K this weekend.  :)

These 6 miles are for you, Boston!

As I ran my 6 miles today, my thoughts were never far away from the tragedy in Boston.  I keep thinking about how traumatic it would be to have run 26.2 miles and be faced with the horror those runners and spectators faced. 

On the same hand, I was thinking I won't let this stop me.  I've begun my journey and I'm not stopping now.  The joy of running will not be overcome by a cowardly terrorist.  Oh, sure, it's kind of scary, thinking what if it happens again...or happens at a race I attend?  But, no way!  They won't stop me.  I'm in pursuit of a goal and I'm not stopping for anything or anyone.

Today was one of the first times I ran all 6 miles - all for you, Boston.

Hidden Valley Nature Center 10K

So I've been slow in blogging these days!  Last week I did a 10K in Riverside at Hidden Valley Nature Center.  It was a beautiful day, a little taste of springtime about 3 weeks too early.  It actually was a little warm!  The nature center is located on a little bluff overlooking the Santa Ana river.  It has a panoramic view of the mountains ... just beautiful.  The run raised money for the nature center, so once again it was a good cause.

It was small, which was nice.  There weren't any of what I call the money runners, elite runners who show up at races that have cash prizes.  I'm not sure this is the fairest way of doing things - a "regular" runner doesn't really have a chance against people who run 5 or less minute paces.  Oh well, I'm not worried about winning anything anytime soon. 

One of the key things I'm learning about some of these runs, when you think of "gentle rolling hills", the key word there is "hills".  When you're running, a hill is a HILL.  So this run was 6 miles of gentle rolling HILLS.  Needless to say it was a bit challenging.  I have a long way to go before I can easily run up a hill.  Many things to strive for. 

This coming weekend I'm doing a half marathon in San Diego.  Is there a weekend in San Diego when there isn't a run somewhere?  lol.  Gotta love it.  :)

Raincross 5K in Riverside

Today I did a 5K and it made me realize how far I came.  This race was the one I did last year, my very first experience with the whole running thing.  I remember last year I hadn't even reached a mile and I was huffing and puffing and feeling very slow with people running past me.  This year I felt strong and confident...still huffing and puffing, though.  I've decided that comes with running...at least for me at this point.  Maybe after I've lost about 20 more pounds I'll huff and puff less...maybe.  This time I reached that mile marker and realized, hey, I can keep going...I can keep running!  I did slow down to take a drink - I haven't mastered the art of running and drinking at the same time...coordination issue, I guess.  This 5K has a pretty good hill after running past Lake Evans in Fairmount Park here in Riverside.  It was a much better day today too with lots of sunshine.  I had good intentions of running up the hill, but then I came to my senses and just went up at a good brisk pace.  We traveled up the hill and through the beautiful historic homes here in Riverside.  It's a very nice course.  It made me realize how long some of these races I've done are - it seemed a bit like a sprint!  Who would have thought 3 miles would ever seem like a sprint!  haha  I reached 2, then 2 1/2 miles and rounded the corner to the finish line.  It was a nice little race for me...I've come a long way.

Next week 10K!  :)

This past weekend, as you know, I did a 10K in Coronado (San Diego).  It was an absolutely beautiful day and actually a little warm.  We were lucky enough to stay at a hotel that was right by the start of the race, so we were able to get up and walk, instead of having to stress out about finding parking and directions and all the usual race morning stressors.  That was nice.  There were quite a few people doing this race, which made for a bit of frustration at the start of the race, with people trying to get through the start line crowd, through spaces that didn't really exist.  Oh well, that's just one of those things you have to put up with.

At last the run started with the route taking us through the grass at Tidelands Park with a great view of the beautiful Coronado bridge with the sun shining brightly overhead.  I started out at a pretty good pace, thinking that it was a bit fast to keep up for 6 miles.  The route led as past a golf course and down a street with beautiful homes in Coronado.  Volunteers were on the route, cheering us on.  As I reached mile 2 or so, I saw the leaders of the race coming back, which was a little discouraging, but inspiring at the same time.  They were like gazelles with their long strides and they just flew by.  I know I'll never be fast like they are, but I hope that as I continue on my journey I will get faster and stronger and be able to fly too - in my own way.  By mile 3, it was getting a little warm, as we reached the Silver Strand and the Navy base on Coronado and our turnaround point.  We ran along the water by the boats - it was a great sunny day.  We reached the houses once again and I was feeling pretty good, looking forward to getting to mile 4 and mile 5.  The volunteers were there cheering us on - not sure what I would do without them and I appreciate their support so much.  By mile 5, I was hurting and feeling a bit of a side ache.  I kept thinking, push through the pain, push through the pain - easier said than done!   I was also thinking it's not just 6 miles, it's 6.1 miles!  It's the 0.1 that will really test your resolve.  My side ache gradually subsided and I felt strong as I passed the golf course and went under the bridge and the water of the harbor came into view.   I know my resolve is never to walk the last mile of a race - sometimes that is REALLY hard.  I rounded the corner and the park came into view.  I ran over the grass and the volunteers were there to tell me, you're almost there, just a little bit further!  I pushed it and turned on that end of race speed (or something like that) and saw the finish line.  Before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line and they were handing me a medal!  What a great feeling of accomplishment and that familiar feeling of "let's do it again" (after a good rest) came over me.

Oh...did I mention the mile markers were shaped like hearts?  LOL.  Can't wait until my next race. :)

10K tomorrow in Coronado

Tomorrow I'm doing a 10K in Coronado in beautiful San Diego.  I am looking forward to it, although I hope I'm feeling better tomorrow than I am today.  Part of running is dealing with pain - whether it's pain from the actual running itself or from the way you're feeling that day.  You might wake up with a migraine or an upset stomach or a sore back or whatever.  But you go anyway and push through the pain.  This should be fun, the mile markers are going to shaped like the heart candies, since it's for Valentine's Day...LOL. 

So all of you runners, walkers, people over 40 (and under 40 too) trying to get in shape, I invite you to run this with me - you don't have to do a 10K, a 5K, 1K or anything that constitutes moving will do too.  Or toast my run with a bottle of water for each mile will do!  Cheers!  :)

Sorry, I've neglected my blog.  :(  Today I felt great, I ran about 5 miles...almost without stopping.  It's a mystery to me why you can get that "runner's high" sometimes, but not always.  Runner's pain, runner's discouragement, runner's exhaustion...but not runner's high.  (I could go on and on about the negative things, but I'll spare you the list.)  But, I felt really good.

Yesterday I did about 4 miles (both of these days were on the treadmill).  I'm trying to figure out why treadmill running is easier for me.  Controlled conditions?  Treadmill taking some of the slack?  I don't know..maybe it's the lack of intimidation of distance.

The day before yesterday I went running with the hubby again.  I felt a bit discouraged.  Running seems to come naturally to him.  His long strides and body that isn't many pounds overweight probably helps.  Anyway, I let the discouragement get to me...and then I just let him go and tried to concentrate just on me and my little legs taking me as fast as I am able. 

Tomorrow will be my last day before taking a couple days off before the 10K on Sunday. 

San Diego harbor/Seaport village run

One of the things I have come to love about running/walking is being able to go places, go out and run/walk and experience things first hand.  Yesterday I went running down in San Diego, at the harbor and Seaport Village.  One thing I noticed was that other people who were running were pretty fit and, well, young.  But I didn't let that stop me.   I ran through the crowds of people, marveled at the beautiful view of the harbor and the skyline of San Diego.  I ran past the shops, the performers, the Pedacabs, and the lady who talked to her shopping cart.  I admired the Midway,  an aircraft carrier turned museum, and smelled the great food of the many restaurants.  It was a fantastic run and a great experience. 

But I definitely did not have any delusions about beautiful surroundings making running any easier.

I'm wondering, though, after all the running/walking I've done, why running doesn't come any easier.  Hmmm...hopefully I'll figure that out.  Next week we're doing a 10K in Coronado, so this week will be about preparation.

This weekend I'm on my way to a running paradise, otherwise known as San Diego.  My husband has to be there for business, so I'll be attempting to be one of the many runners you see down by the harbor in beautiful San Diego.  It's going to be a little chilly, but I have found I definitely prefer that to a blistering hot day.  Just hoping I don't get lost or my run/walk will be a little further than I plan.  Need to do 6 miles because of the 10K we're running next week, which will also be in San Diego, in equally beautiful Coronado.  This running stuff is definitely getting to be a happy habit.  ;)

See you on the jogging trails! 

A little encouragement...goes a long way

Last night, February 7, my husband and I went out for our run (ahem, walk), about 3 miles.  As usual, I was struggling to keep up with him.  But I kept passing this wonderful lady, who first said to her friend, Look, they're running!  At first I thought, what does that mean exactly?  Of course I interpreted that as saying we (or at least, I) didn't look like we should be running.  When I came around again and passed her, she gave me a big smile and two thumbs up!  My negative thoughts were erased and a feeling of encouragement made me try to run faster....try being the key word.  I came around again and she said, You're amazing!  Well, that was so fantastic!  When you're huffing and puffing and feeling like every part of you is jiggling with each step you need any kind of encouragement you can get!!!  I felt inspired and energized by this lady who took the time to give me a little encouragement...that went a long, long way.  ;)

If only my desire to run equaled my ability to run!  Ah well, I guess that's what this is all about, right?  The journey continues...

Update on last night's run

Well, last night made me feel like I had never run before.  My hubby is a little too fast for me.  I've discovered that I don't really get warmed up until the 3rd mile. 

I was supposed to go out today, but we're taking the night off.  So nothing new to post.  Tomorrow's a new day.  :)

P.S. TO TODAY'S BLOG

Today's plan is to go out into the relatively cold So Cal night and run 4 miles with my much better shape husband...will keep you posted on how that goes. 

Not really the first day of my journey...

A little background history...

Actually, the first day of my journey began in February of 2012.  My daughter had texted my husband asking if he wanted to run a half marathon with her in November of that year in her home town of San Diego, the Silver Strand.  Well, my little out of shape ears perked up and I said, wait, I can do that.  Now, my husband works out all the time and is in wonderful shape, so naturally he would have been the one she would ask.  Imagine her surprise when her overweight, out of shape mother was the one who said YES!  So the journey begins...and a love affair with 5Ks , 10Ks, and, yes, a half marathon.

Also in February I ran my first 5K.  Wow, was that hard!  But I was hooked.  I went on to do more 5Ks, a 10K, and then in November I ran the Silver Strand with my daughter...well, about an hour behind her.  I am now completely hooked on all things running.  I'm still overweight and I still don't run very fast, but I've come a long way.  I also ran the Carlsbad half in January.  Oh the pain....and still the addiction continues.

But just recently I've decided, at my...ahem....young age of 48, that my goal is to run a full marathon.  Yes, a FULL marathon.  I plan to do it on or before my 50th birthday.  On my birthday would be great.  So this blog will document my journey hopefully to that accomplishment.  Let the running begin!  :)