Well, another year is coming to a close. With it, it brings a little sadness and apprehension. What will 2016 bring? Will I be able to continue this crazy hobby of mine? Will injury sideline me? Financial issues? Only God knows.
As I reflect on this past year, I think about how running has literally saved my life. It sounds cliché, but it's really true. In 2012 when I started running I was over 200 pounds, lethargic, and depressed. It's not that I had a bad life, just, well...bored. Then a little bird (my daughter Sarah) wanted to run a half marathon with my husband and the rest, as they say, is history. It began with the first 5K and I haven't looked back since. I never pictured myself running marathons...but, here I am.
It's not that I'm a fast runner...oh no, not at all. I'm not even a good runner or a natural runner. It certainly does not come naturally to me at all. But there's something about it that makes you feel alive and like you're participating in the human race. I wish everyone would try it...I mean, you don't have to run, you could just walk...just get out there in the sunshine, the air, experience your surroundings, discover new areas, new vistas..be alive. Get away from the idiot boxes...stop living your life in absenteeism.
I know what you're thinking....I can't even walk a mile. Been there. So walk a half a mile, walk a block, walk down to the corner and back. Just get out there....it just might save your life.
Musings, observations, new experiences. Running is for all, young, old, thick, thin, etc. This blog is my experience with and for the love of running.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Columbia Gorge, repeated
October found me once again in beautiful Hood River doing a marathon. I never imagined I would be fortunate enough to run this beautiful race again on the banks of the Columbia River.
This time I got to share it with my husband, my daughter and her husband and his mother, Annette. What a great experience once again!
columbiagorgemarathon.com
It started out as a beautiful day on the banks of the Columbia River, a little chilly, but not raining. Rain was predicted later in the day, but we were hopeful it would hold off. We hopped on the bus to take us to the start line, spent a little time using port-a-potties and checking in and then we were off. The leaves were a beautiful golden yellow and the views were just as spectacular as I remembered. The contrast of colors of the dark rocks, golden tall grass, and green trees was gorgeous. About halfway through the rain started, but it wasn't too bad.
Just as beautiful and spectacular of an experience as last year.
This time I got to share it with my husband, my daughter and her husband and his mother, Annette. What a great experience once again!
columbiagorgemarathon.com
It started out as a beautiful day on the banks of the Columbia River, a little chilly, but not raining. Rain was predicted later in the day, but we were hopeful it would hold off. We hopped on the bus to take us to the start line, spent a little time using port-a-potties and checking in and then we were off. The leaves were a beautiful golden yellow and the views were just as spectacular as I remembered. The contrast of colors of the dark rocks, golden tall grass, and green trees was gorgeous. About halfway through the rain started, but it wasn't too bad.
Just as beautiful and spectacular of an experience as last year.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
A Better World Running...
Yes, there is a way to run that doesn't involve taking'out a second (or third) mortgage...it is called A Better World Running. This is a small group that does runs very inexpensively down by the beaches, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and parks in and around the LA and Orange County areas. We participated in one of their events on August 22 and it was a treat. No crowds, no obnoxious people. just a bunch of runners getting together to, well, you know...run. It was a small group, maybe 200 or so. You could run whatever you felt like that particular day, marathon, half, 15K, 10K...whatever. You did get a bib and there was a water station...and views of Huntington Beach. What more do you need? A very satisfying experience at a very low price. Than you, A Better World Running!
www.abetterworldrunning.com
www.abetterworldrunning.com
Friday, August 21, 2015
Nagging doubts...
I wonder if older runners out there have the same doubts I do. For example, when or if is the big C diagnosis coming? Will I be able to beat it? Will I be able to RUN after the treatment? I know that sounds a little morbid, thinking about your own demise, but my family has a history of cancer on both sides, so...
Other doubts I have are injuries. Will an injury take me out? Will I be able to recover and get back out there? Easily done when you're 25, 35, even 45, but over 50? Doubts.
I look at these magazines and admire all these fit people. I want to be one of them, but...
Other doubts I have are injuries. Will an injury take me out? Will I be able to recover and get back out there? Easily done when you're 25, 35, even 45, but over 50? Doubts.
I look at these magazines and admire all these fit people. I want to be one of them, but...
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Oldies but goodies pounding the pavement and pumping iron
It occurred to me as I was reading a fitness magazine that none of the models looked they were under 30. Well, I think I need to start my own magazine for people over 40! There's a lot of us oldies but goodies out there pounding the pavement and pumping iron! If you were to cater to all those baby boomers out there, well....
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Columbia Gorge Marathon October 2014
(Just a little editor's note about this one, I guess I had written it and never posted it, so here it is! )
I read about this marathon in a magazine in June or July of 2014 and it caught my eye. At first I thought, no way, I can't do it. It's too far away...I can't afford to fly and I can't drive 1100+ miles to Oregon. But it wouldn't let me go and I finally asked my daughter Kirstie to go with me. I was committed. As the day got closer, doubts clouded my enthusiasm and I almost thought about not going, but the day arrived and we were on our way.
The drive was part of the fun...mountains, tall trees, Mt. Shasta, more mountains...the trees in Oregon are tall and green and beautiful. In fact, everything in Oregon is green...so unlike dry, hot So Cal. We arrived in Hood River, Oregon after a trip up a scary, dark, windy road (which actually was not so bad in the light of day). The next day we went to see a waterfall, explored Hood River, a beautiful town by the banks of the mighty Columbia River. We picked up our race packets at Shortt Supply after having coffee at Dog River Coffee.
The day of the race dawned and of course it was raining. But, not my first time in that situation. Kirstie and I found our way to the Hood River Marina and parked. I was eager to get on the bus since I was doing an early start. I left Kirstie in the car and boarded the bus, which took us up to the start. The start was at the beginning of the Mark Hatfield trail. It was still raining. As the race began, the rain stopped and the scenery took center stage. The golden trees framed the trail, which parted enough for one to see the mighty river below. What a sight! It was every bit as scenic as they had promised. There were some hills, but nothing too major. We arrived at the part of the trail that went through a tunnel that was hewn out of solid rock...amazing.
After a while on the trail, we arrived at the town of Mosier. It was a quaint little town with a few curious spectators. The trail came out town into orchards with a quaint sign reading "Annie's U-pick Apricots". The sun was coming out and the drops of rain sparkled on the tree leaves...beautiful. At the edge of the orchard was a fantastically beautiful large white house...my future dwelling.
The run continued until we arrived at the end which was a loop that overlooked the Columbia Gorge and river in all its glory...fantastic. We worked our way back through the areas we had been though before, trying to take in all the scenery, which was just as fantastic as it was the first time. As we arrived at the finish (those of us who were a little bit slower) encountered the rain once again, which started around mile 22 and continued to the end. The end of the race went through Hood River and ended back at the Marina.
It was worth every mile driven...an experience of a lifetime.
I read about this marathon in a magazine in June or July of 2014 and it caught my eye. At first I thought, no way, I can't do it. It's too far away...I can't afford to fly and I can't drive 1100+ miles to Oregon. But it wouldn't let me go and I finally asked my daughter Kirstie to go with me. I was committed. As the day got closer, doubts clouded my enthusiasm and I almost thought about not going, but the day arrived and we were on our way.
The drive was part of the fun...mountains, tall trees, Mt. Shasta, more mountains...the trees in Oregon are tall and green and beautiful. In fact, everything in Oregon is green...so unlike dry, hot So Cal. We arrived in Hood River, Oregon after a trip up a scary, dark, windy road (which actually was not so bad in the light of day). The next day we went to see a waterfall, explored Hood River, a beautiful town by the banks of the mighty Columbia River. We picked up our race packets at Shortt Supply after having coffee at Dog River Coffee.
The day of the race dawned and of course it was raining. But, not my first time in that situation. Kirstie and I found our way to the Hood River Marina and parked. I was eager to get on the bus since I was doing an early start. I left Kirstie in the car and boarded the bus, which took us up to the start. The start was at the beginning of the Mark Hatfield trail. It was still raining. As the race began, the rain stopped and the scenery took center stage. The golden trees framed the trail, which parted enough for one to see the mighty river below. What a sight! It was every bit as scenic as they had promised. There were some hills, but nothing too major. We arrived at the part of the trail that went through a tunnel that was hewn out of solid rock...amazing.
After a while on the trail, we arrived at the town of Mosier. It was a quaint little town with a few curious spectators. The trail came out town into orchards with a quaint sign reading "Annie's U-pick Apricots". The sun was coming out and the drops of rain sparkled on the tree leaves...beautiful. At the edge of the orchard was a fantastically beautiful large white house...my future dwelling.
The run continued until we arrived at the end which was a loop that overlooked the Columbia Gorge and river in all its glory...fantastic. We worked our way back through the areas we had been though before, trying to take in all the scenery, which was just as fantastic as it was the first time. As we arrived at the finish (those of us who were a little bit slower) encountered the rain once again, which started around mile 22 and continued to the end. The end of the race went through Hood River and ended back at the Marina.
It was worth every mile driven...an experience of a lifetime.
Catching up...
So, need to catch up on this blog! I noticed that I haven't posted on here since September of last year! Boy, I have been busy running since then. So here goes:
In October 2014 we did the Columbia Gorge Marathon in Hood River, Oregon. It was fantastic. Driving there from Southern California was a long, long haul, but the scenery was worth it! The marathon itself was a fall treat of cool temperatures, changing leaves, orchards, giant trees, the mighty Columbia River, rainbows, and fantastic views. It was phenomenal.
November of 2014 saw us doing Silver Strand Half in San Diego. Kind of a boring run, but it was great to see how far I had come since it was my first half in 2012. Come a long way, baby!
January of 2015, the month of resolutions. My resolution was to qualify for the Marathon Maniacs. So I resolved to do the Carlsbad Marathon, which I did, and then in February did the Surf City Marathon. Surf City was a lot of fun - expo was not great, but the run itself was great and the volunteers were fantastic.
In March we did my favorite half, the San Diego Half Marathon. This is such a great race, so well run and goes through the best parts of San Diego.
April was the month we did the San Luis Obispo Marathon. So much I could say about this one. The Saturday before the run it rained buckets, but the day itself dawned bright and clear...and windy. In fact there was a headwind for most of the race. It's a beautiful course, but challenging, and LOTS of hills. The volunteers were so awesome, though, best I've seen at any race.
May found us doing the Avocado Half Marathon in Fallbrook. Yikes. One of my least favorites. Not enough potties. Can't stress enough the importance of port-a-potties at a run. And, again, another hilly course.
June and July took a little break. Looking forward to a more informal run this weekend in Huntington Beach. Also got into the Big Sur Marathon in 2016...so excited for that! Anyway, that's all for now.
In October 2014 we did the Columbia Gorge Marathon in Hood River, Oregon. It was fantastic. Driving there from Southern California was a long, long haul, but the scenery was worth it! The marathon itself was a fall treat of cool temperatures, changing leaves, orchards, giant trees, the mighty Columbia River, rainbows, and fantastic views. It was phenomenal.
November of 2014 saw us doing Silver Strand Half in San Diego. Kind of a boring run, but it was great to see how far I had come since it was my first half in 2012. Come a long way, baby!
January of 2015, the month of resolutions. My resolution was to qualify for the Marathon Maniacs. So I resolved to do the Carlsbad Marathon, which I did, and then in February did the Surf City Marathon. Surf City was a lot of fun - expo was not great, but the run itself was great and the volunteers were fantastic.
In March we did my favorite half, the San Diego Half Marathon. This is such a great race, so well run and goes through the best parts of San Diego.
April was the month we did the San Luis Obispo Marathon. So much I could say about this one. The Saturday before the run it rained buckets, but the day itself dawned bright and clear...and windy. In fact there was a headwind for most of the race. It's a beautiful course, but challenging, and LOTS of hills. The volunteers were so awesome, though, best I've seen at any race.
May found us doing the Avocado Half Marathon in Fallbrook. Yikes. One of my least favorites. Not enough potties. Can't stress enough the importance of port-a-potties at a run. And, again, another hilly course.
June and July took a little break. Looking forward to a more informal run this weekend in Huntington Beach. Also got into the Big Sur Marathon in 2016...so excited for that! Anyway, that's all for now.
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