Happy Halloween....and Sunday Ride!

It feels like it's been forever since I've had a really good ride on my bike, or any ride at that. I did ride last weekend, but it was only 20 miles, and it was just an easy hang out ride. Not to say the ride today wasn't an easy hang out ride, but it was 37 miles (which is decent), through hilly (but not that bad) N. Raleigh. It was a GORGEOUS ride! The weather is great and I was super excited to be able to get out on my bike and get it done.

Kim, Bob, and I meet at Pleasant Union School (so that we would miss the traffic infused areas on our bike roads) and took off for Falls Lake (Rolling View). The best part a surprise newly paved road. Nothing like nice smooth road to ride on! *smiles* While we were riding along down the route I've done a bunch with Kim (mostly last winter) I noticed this sign:

A little ironic that it's Halloween and I noticed this street sign. It would of been cooler if they had it all decorated up...ohh well.

We made it to Falls Lake and took a quick break at the boat ramps (where the bathrooms are), and I had Kim take a picture of me and Bob. I talk about him every now and again and though you all might want to see what he looks like!!*smiles* Bob is Kim's neighbor and "coach" for running. We were doing a normal Sunday Bob Ride for awhile, riding from Kim and Bob neighborhood and out to Falls Lake.

Now it's time for a shower and getting ready to go Trick or Treating with one of my Best Friends little ones! Happy Halloween everyone!!

Bob's Big Block Run...10 miler!

I woke up this morning happy that we weren't planning on meeting for the run until 9 am. It was COLD and FOGGY when I got up to walk Scout.


(the fog on the morning walk with Scout)

Jason decided to sleep in a little and go for a shorter run in the neighborhood, so our friend Chris came over and picked me up since we were doing the run together with Kim and Bob (who live where we were going to run). Chris made it to my house almost on time (he is notorious for being late for runs) and we headed over. The fog had mostly cleared and the temp went from 36 to 42 which is a pretty decent difference. I still decided to wear my tights, t-shirt, long sleeve hoodie running shirt (that I got at REI and LOVE) AND my Nike vest....ohh and some gloves to, that I knew I wouldn't hold onto for long but I had pockets to stuff them in.


(Kim and Chris before the run, Ebony -Kim's Dog- really wanted to be in the pic too)



(Kim and I before the run...notice all the layers)

The 10 Mile Big Block was EPIC....well it was interesting none the less. I've seen a ton of people running along Six Forks in the past, but I didn't know what the "official" route was. Not sure it's official anyways, but it sure felt right. I got a little lost and was glad the peeps didn't leave me yet when we got into the neighborhood, and the first part of the greenway. Kim, Bob, and Chris did an AWESOME job with their intervals and running. I on the other hand had a little hip issue and took a couple more walk breaks to work on stretching out my hamstring/glut area so I could keep going. At about mile 8 I was too HOT to keep all my layers on, so I went through the ordeal of shedding my AWESOME hoodie running shirt. Then when I was on the home stretch I got stuck going through the tunnel with the Asian Walking Group (whole big group of people WALKING at a slow pace and enjoying the day). After I got through the tunnel I started my run back again, got stopped by a phone call (weird because no one calls me, and everyone who knows me knew I was out running...and somehow I couldn't get it to go to voicemail...so I ended up answering the phone and telling the person I'd call them back after the run). I finished up my run with a 11:27 min/mile average, My fastest pace was 8:36 (I'm sure I was running downhill somewhere) I climbed 518 feet on the run and supposedly burned 1315 calories.

After the run we went to I HOP (which just opened down the street). Yum breakfast food after a good run. While waiting to be seated we were stretching a little on the sidewalk, and Kim looked down and noticed she had 2 different shoes on. These are not the shoes she ran in, she changed before heading over to I HOP. HA! Classic.


(Kim's Shoes 1= Saucony, 1= Brooks)

Friday Morning Run..

I'm back again....I'm going to try and be better about posting. This week has been rough (that doesn't excuse the rest of the time), kinda been in a funk. Ready to be back on track. Quick back track...after Disney got a wicked sinus infection, then the antibiotics literally flushed out my system so I had to deal with that for awhile. Now I'm just in the Fall Blahs.

Today I woke up and said...I need to run. More than that I need to get my sweet boy out there running too, it's finally getting cool enough that I can take him for short runs again. Scout loves to run, well he loves the first mile of running and then he isn't sure. It helps if I take him to Umstead (State Park with trails) or fun places like that. However today we just ran around the neighborhood. I'm really hoping to get him tired enough that I can get in and clean his teeth. (I haven't been able to do that for awhile, and when I called the vet for an estimate it was $415-$750....YIKES!). Since it's what I do (on people usually) I'm hoping that this run will tire him out enough for me to at least do some.

The morning was cool, we started running and the temp was 50 degrees, it didn't warm up, but I did. I decided to wear my Nike Vest (the one I got when I did the Nike Women's Marathon in 2008). It was perfect with a long sleeve dry-wick shirt, and shorts. There were a bunch of people out walking and some out with their dogs. It gets tricky running by people with dogs, I usually try to cross the street, if I can, just to avoid crazy dog greetings. While I was running up one of the small hills on Falls River Ave there were two ladies walking their two dogs (boxer and mutt) and I crossed to the other side of the street (where the sidewalk was closed), and of course the two dogs were barking and wanting to play (probably). If Scout is running he is usually focused on the task at hand, but he can still get distracted. We ran through the Estate section of the hood, which I usually like to do to add on some distance without having to go down the street that doesn't have sidewalks (Dunn Rd). Usually Scout puts on the breaks when I try to take him into the Estates section, but he came along just fine today (YAY!). As I was running up the bigger hill on Bedfordtown Drive the same two ladies plus one more, and the same two dogs were coming down the sidewalk. I was really hoping that since I was struggling running UP the HILL they would be nice and move to the other side of the street, but they were oblivious to most anything. So as I got closer and they still didn't move AT ALL (taking up the entire sidewalk), I ran up the hill of someones yard to let them pass. They ladies (bless their little hearts....it's a southern thing) could not even keep their dogs on the sidewalk, luckily for me Scout was being very good and he just sat there and didn't try to engage with the two dogs. The two dogs both pulled their owners up the yard hill towards me and Scout and finally they got them back on the sidewalk and past me a little bit, so I finished running up the hill. I think the little Grrr moment got me up the hill a little faster than normal.



(Scout and I after the run)


Anywho- now I'm going to see if I can get Scout to lie still for a bit so I can scrape at his teeth......wish me luck.

Disney Trip and Wine and Dine Half Marathon

What an AWESOME time we had! The race was AMAZING, the trip was fun and good times were had!!

We got there on Thursday....and got to eat at the Flying Fish. Yummy food.

Friday we spent the day at the Magic Kingdom, and ended the day with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. We were trying to stay up as long as possible so that we could sleep in the next morning.

Saturday was race day. We hung out for most of the day hanging around the hotel and pool, went to the Expo (packet pick-up). We ate at Wolfgang Pucks in Downtown Disney and then got ready for the race. We had to be at ESPN by 8 pm. Which means we had to take the bus by 7:30 pm. The race started at 10 pm. Of course we had to drop off our bags to bag check. Then we sat around in the grass waiting. Finally we made our last stops to the porta potty's and water stop, then off to the corrals. 3 of us (Kim, Chris, and I) were in Corral B, and Jason was in Corral C...but we snuck him into the corral with us. We waited for a really long time and then the wheelchair racers had their start. And then off we went.

We started with a bang.....well firework to be specific.

We met lot's of characters along the way.

The 4 of us were together for the first mile or so, then Kim, Chris and I were hanging out together. Kim and I stayed together up to almost mile 11 and then I told her to go on..I needed a few more walk breaks.

Overall I had a great race! Everyone had fun and enjoyed themselves on the run.

The bag pick up at the end was a cluster. It was the worst race organization I have ever seen. EEEKKK! The after party was WAY to crowded. And the lines for the small bathrooms at the world showcase were ridiculous. I know next year if I do this race, I will have someone hold my bags, they can also use my taste and sip tickets, and once I finish we can leave!!

I'll write up more about this soon....but today I just wanted to get something up so people would know!!*smiles*

Packed for Disney...

Well today is the day we leave for Disney!!

It's been raining cats and dogs here. In fact the wind was blowing so much last night that we lost power for about an hour...of course I was awake for that hour (4:30 am - 5:30 am) cause the fan turned off and I felt like there was a flashlight shining on my face (in fact just the iPod from the clock radio clicking on).

Scout has been taken to the kennel...he was so HAPPY to be there with his friend Ebony. Normally Kim comes and watches him, but since she is doing the race to we decided to board the boys together. They are going to have fun at camp.

I think I'm ready. Pretty sure I have everything I need....plus some. We'll see if I forgot anything when we get there.



Saturday is the race! It is supposed to start at 10pm. So I'm super excited about getting there and having this fun run, plus just a good time in Disney.

It's getting closer.....

I bailed on my run yesterday...the rain did not help. I actually don't mind running in the rain (as long as it's not to hard) but driving downtown to do the run with the group was not in the cards. That means I'll be making up that run tonight! *smiles* Although this morning would of been a perfect time to run. I took Scout out for his walk and it's beautiful out (clear and cool with a slight wind to ward off the humidity). Ohh but I work today to no run in the a.m.. This is my last work day until Disney. WOO HOO!! Hopefully it won't be to crazy!

I started getting some of my stuff together....working out what clothes I need to bring and what supplies I need to bring. I'm so ready to go do this!!

Need more bike rides....

So this week we did a night run on Friday.
It didn't go so well. Eating at 6-6:30 and running at 8 was a little hard on everyone's digestive system. I think though that if we ran at 10 pm it would be okay. I guess for Disney as long as we are done eating our last "meal" before 6:15 pm we will be fine. I also had a massage on Friday which I think messed up my run a little to. My massages aren't the relax and be pampered type....they are the painful and make my body work type. I've had a really stiff neck lately, I don't know if I'm just carrying stress or all the impaction on my spine is finally catching up after this summer of mega running. All my other weird muscle stuff is happening as well. My piriformis is still a mess, my post tib tendons (both ankles) are acting up a bit, you know it's the end of a long training summer. Good thing this week is fairly easy (2 x 3 mile runs).

Saturday I got on my bike again and did a ride with my friend Kim. Yes...run on Friday night (about 6 miles), ride on Saturday morning. Maybe not the best plan. Usually our shortest rides are 30 miles...because that is our base. However we (read I) decided to do a 20 mile ride. N. Raleigh is hilly and taking to much time off my bike makes it harder. YIKES. Okay so at least the average wasn't to bad....even though it didn't feel great while I was riding. 16.8 mph. Kim had a faster ride, but she's a better rider than I am. Also she was very gracious to let me end a little early, and just happy to have someone out there riding with her. Kim's Mom was in a pretty major bike accident (which I talked about earlier on here) and had to have an elbow replacement along with other things happen because of it. Needless to say, it gets scary to get on your bike after watching someone you love go through that.


(me at the spot we decided to turn around, notice the nice glisten on my shoulders!)



(Kim at the turn around spot)

Ahhh but now the rain is here. I'm not complaining, as we really need the rain. It might change up the chance of riding more for me, as I don't ride in the rain. I will however run in the rain....even though I don't like soggy feet.

Tonight I'm running at the nOg run club....rain or shine....not sure that my friends will join me in the rain but everyone has their own comfort level!!*smiles*

last 12 mile run before the Disney Wine and Dine half marathon.

(Chris and I at the beginning of the run...Jason never wants his picture taken)

Today was our last LONG long run before Disney. It's the end of week 15 of our 17 week training program. I'm so glad. Of course I'm signed up for another half marathon 2 weeks after Disney...but we won't talk about that yet. *smiles*

We started at the McDonalds' parking lot by Crabtree Mall. We did the 4 mile out and back down the greenway, then we went the other way to Shelley Lake and around and finished past the parking lot (back up to Creedmore...almost). Jason started ahead of us, because he was ready to go. Chris and I said that we would catch up. Chris had a head cold and wasn't feeling great at the beginning of the run, but ended up strong like he always does. I ran with Chris in the beginning and we kinda just shuffled a little bit to warm up a little. We caught up to Jason and a little past the 3 mile mark. He said he wasn't sure if was going to do the whole 12 miles as his knee wasn't doing great. I told him to listen to his body and do what he could but not to push it. We are so close I don't want there to be any injuries right before the race.

Chris and I ran on. Chris likes to ask me how I'm feeling as we are running along. I don't like to think about how I'm feeling while I'm running because most of the time it's not wonderful and I don't want to dwell on it. Chris is funny and he has lot's of interesting things to say along the way. We had a discussion about strollers on the greenway, part of which was prompted by two guys running and pushing strollers side by side down the greenway. One guy had a "regular" stroller and the other had a double wide stroller...you can imagine how much room they took over on the trail. Don't get me wrong I'm glad they are out with their kids getting exercise....but a little respect for those around you. I personally HATE double wide strollers. If you have more than one kid that needs to be in a stroller, then get the front back kid stroller....enough said. We talked about the peoples running shoes (Chris notices everyone shoes). We also talked about the cute boy who ran past and Chris said "well hello", and the boy turned around to check him out as well. I had the experience of going down the dam hill (if you've been to Shelley Lake you know what I'm talking about) into 3 women walking across the path, and not moving as we were coming down the hill. Arrrggghhhhh. I know your a toothpick, but you take up more room than you think you do. So I guess this rant is about trail etiquette. Remember you are not the only one out there. I always try to smile (noticed I said try...sometimes I'm just in a tough spot), and say hey to people as I'm running by, around or through them. Not everyone is like me. Imagine that. I like it when people say hey back to me though....it makes me happy.


Anyways...back on track here. Chris and I also talked about Disney...as we often do during our runs. We are excited about getting to have a vacation at the happiest place on earth....and for Chris and Jason to do their first half marathon. Less than 2 weeks away and we'll be in Florida.

Jason met us on the way back to the car he didn't run as far, he went back to the car and stretched for awhile, and then he started walking to find us. He thinks he did about 9-9 1/2 miles. Still pretty good if you ask me. The last little bit of the run I started to having some tightness in my lower left leg. I always have piriformis pain on my right side, but I work at moving through that. I had to stop and rub out my leg (left) and try and relax everything down so I could finish. I think I did pretty good, but I can still feel it a little now. Chris is a rock star and did 12.25 miles, I stopped a little short because of my leg pain...11.72 miles in 2 hours 5 minutes and 26 seconds. That ended up a 10:42 minute mile....pretty awesome time for me.


(Chris and I after the run...in front of the garage)

As you can see....we are tired and ready for our showers! I'm ready for a massage really.......

I'm back in the saddle again...

After taking a break this past weekend, and feeling better for it I got back into training mode.

Monday I did the nOg Run (Tir na nog -downtown has a fun run group every Monday night). It was Retro Night and I decided to have fun and dress up.



Tuesday I didn't do much besides work and I should of done some strength training, but I didn't. :(

Yesterday- Wednesday I was ready to go again. I had made a plan to meet a friend for the le tour de femme training ride and have dinner afterwards. I got up in the morning...did my 5 mile run (which is on the plan). It felt like a good run and I average 11:30 pace...which for me is pretty good. Then I went about my day and ended up meeting E for the ride and dinner.

Ridding with people you don't know can be challenging, especially when you don't know the route. I hated not knowing where I was going, and I wasn't supper fond of the different paces in the group. Not to say that everyone can't ride, but if you are going to volunteer to pull the group then try to keep the pace the same. It's hard to be at the front of the pace line, I know I took my turn there but try to keep it steady and even. Ahhh, but no one is perfect....including me. I apparently upset one lady while I was pulling she told me I was going to fast or something (I couldn't really hear her), but the rest of the group was staying right with me, and then the same lady got frustrated with me because I pulled out of line when I felt like I wasn't able to keep up. Ohh well. It take different strokes. At least now I know (sorta) where the ride goes....but I'm not sure I'll ride with those ladies again...we'll see. A mid-week ride is nice to have. Hmmmmm. Ohh the ride was just shy of 24 miles and we averaged 18.5. Not to shabby considering the first part was a lot of start and stop in Cary traffic, and the last little bit I sucked wind going up High House (8mph....arrrggghhhhh).

No time to be sick...

Yesterday and Today have been off days for me. I woke up on Friday and felt okay, but then after taking the puppy to the dogpark I came home and felt terrible. I had a horrible headache, my body was achey, and I had a general blah feeling. I did some stuff around the house (dishes, laundry, pick up) and then laid on the coach for most of the rest of the afternoon. I finally went upstairs and slept for a little bit. Around 6-ish, I woke up and took Scout out for his walk. Jason came home a little later. My head was a little warm, but it was a come and go thing. I went to bed early and told him (Jason) I would let him know in the morning whether I was going to make the 10 miler or not.

I woke up this morning feeling ick again. I took Scout out for his walk (because he won't go with anyone else in the morning if I'm there...he'll go hide under the bed until I take him out). It was a good test to see if I thought I should try and do the run. Since I was getting chills during the walk I decided that I would skip the run today. I gotta get feeling better before I put more stress on my body. I haven't done much today, but I've been up and alert. I'm hoping that it was just a 24 or so thing. So much for my weekend of training....I was also hoping to get a bike ride in tomorrow. Ohh well.

Here's to hoping the ick is gone completely in the morning and I can resume my training as scheduled....so much going on. Disney Wine and Dine half marathon October 2nd, the le Tour de Femme October 9th, Cannonball Run half marathon October 16th. NO TIME TO BE SICK!!