Quad Burner Duathlon 3-2-19

Some races are just better than others. Know what I mean? I think most of the time we all hope for a great race.  However they usually aren't all great.  Yesterday was my first time to ride my bike in an event since my bike wreck.  I was a tad nervous before the weekend and got even more worried on my drive to Bay St. Louis on Saturday morning.  It was so foggy that you could barely see anything.  I was extremely worried about the bike ride on the main road where cars would be while we were racing.  I almost switched to the 4 mile run instead of the duathlon when I arrived at packet pickup.  I saw a couple of people doing that and wondered if I really should or not.  I decided to just pray.  I walked up under the pavilion and begin some stretching and quietly praying.  I prayed for the fog to lift by the time we did our first run or for each car to see us as we rode.  I turned on my bike light in transition so it would be on.  I didn't care that it would be sitting there flashing while I was gone to run.  I wanted to be seen on the road on the bike.  I ran into Robin and we grabbed a picture right before the race.  She was doing the 4 miler.  

Got my bike all ready.

 Nice medals

Bike shoes ready

Oh they warned us about it being gnat season....but honestly.... you had to be there to understand that when I say it was GNAT CITY... it was GNAT CITY.   No one was standing still as we waiting for race time.  Everyone was spraying bug spray and flapping their hands and arms trying to get the dang things to go away.  It was awful.   Finally it was time to start.  They started the 4 mile runners a couple of minutes before us and then it was time for the duathlon peeps.  We would run 2 miles then come back in and get on our bikes and bike 11 miles then run another 2 miles.  It's a short duathlon and it's flat so you can basically get pretty fast.   Usually the bike all depends on the wind.  It's directly on the beach so most of the time we have a mighty wind blowing.  This year the wind was kind to us.  YIPPIE 

My first two miles were fast.  I averaged 8:35 according to my Garmin.

  I was grinning from ear to ear.  It was just the of those days where I felt great.  Nothing was hurting.  Praise Jesus.   I saw a couple of people that I knew were in my age group and beat them both on the run.  However, I took too long in transition and one of them got off on the bike ahead of me.   I don't think I would have caught her anyway, because she's usually in the 20 mph range on her bike.  She's FAST.   However, when I started riding I told myself don't look at the time.  Just ride.  I felt great.  Nova and I switch back and forth for a little bit with her being ahead of me and then me being ahead of her.  She's a great biker and also in my age group!  She told me she was out of shape, but she sure was hanging with me on the bike!  I finally decided to look down on the way back in just to see what my speed was and boy was I surprised when I saw 19 mph!  I couldn't believe it.  I've not really gotten up in speed since my accident.  I'm still a little gun shy on the bike.   But today I was moving.  The wind was not bad and my legs just felt so good.  You come in on a downhill and have to stop and get off the bike before going into transition.  By the time I got stopped and in transition I looked and my pace was 18.9 mph.  

I was still happy.  I wasn't sure where Jennifer Covington was at in her bike or if she was out running at this point.  I tried to quickly get my bike shoes off and running shoes on and out on the run I headed.  She passed me coming back in when I was almost to the 1 mile turn around. I knew there was no way to catch her but honestly I didn't care.  I was having a great race and smiling.  My pace on the 2nd run wasn't as fast.  I averaged 8:55.

 Overall I was thrilled.  

After I crossed the finish line several of us were standing around talking and finally one of them asked me if I knew I had gnats all over me.  I looked down and they were all over my arms.   Dead in my sweat!  They were all over my face too!  Everyone laughed and said they had them too but had wiped them off.  I knew I felt like I was eating bugs the whole bike ride, but I had no idea I literally had a million gnats stuck all over me.   YUK. I wished I had taken a picture before wiping them off.  You would just not believe how many there were unless you saw it.  It was just unreal.  Besides the gnats, the race was perfect.   The people who organize the Quad Burner series do a good job.  They also have the coolest swag! And the bib was so dang cute!! Just check this out!!  

And I also got 3rd place in my age group.

 Jennifer got 1st and some girl that I didn't know got 2nd.  When I looked at the results I was shocked.  I beat both of them in my run times.  Jennifer beat me on the bike.  But where they really beat me was in transition time!  I'll have to remember that next time.  I need to be faster getting in and getting out.  LOL. 

They even had green beer afterwards!

I just love this cup that I got for placing. 

 My watch is a little different than the race results on the 1st run. 

 I guess we all had the same start time.  I started in the back of the pack so it took several seconds for me to get up to the start line.  However, I'm just thrilled with my pace and how I felt.  It was a good day and I thank God for it.  He blessed me with a good race.  This morning I ran 8 easy miles.  My hamstrings are a tad tight and sore.. Hee Hee.  I need some YOGA.  

I hate I missed running with several friends at the MS50 on Saturday.  I didn't realize the QB race was the same date until late and I had already registered for the duathlon.  However, since I'm hearing it was the most mud ever out in the woods on the trial run.... I'm kind of glad I didn't go.  :>). I do plan to be back next year.  I love the race and the people.  I'm so proud of a young guy that graduated high school with my daughter.  He did his first 50 miler at the MS50!  Running long distance is more mental than anything.  You've got to have that mentality to tell yourself to keep going when you head starts trying to tell you that you can't.  You have to be able to push through the pain and not give up.  I do believe he's proved his one tough cookie!! Way to go Haden Cox!

Well, that's a wrap on my race weekend.  Yep, it's spring racing season and more races to come.  All practice for me basically as I build to that final destination.... Ironman in Chattanooga in September.  Lord willing... keep me strong and give me the endurance to finish. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

The Children's Center Classic Run 2-23-19

Another run in the books for 2019.  This time it's a 10K or for some.. that's 6.2 miles.  :>)  

I love this race for several reasons.  1. It's for the kids and 2. It runs around the campus of USM.

The USM Children's Center does so much for families.  Since 1974, The Children’s Center for Communication and Development has led Mississippi in early intervention services for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with significant disabilities.  When I was asked to push a child with the Freedom Riders I was thrilled.  Nothing better than doing a race for something greater than yourself. :>)  I was scared it was going to rain and actually wished for rain during the race.  It was a very HOT & MUGGY morning.  When I left my house my carport was so slippery from moisture because it was so HUMID.  

Here's a picture of the Freedom Riders waiting to start the 10K.

Notice the clouds in the background.  The rain came much later in the day however.  I was pushing with Dawn & Matt.  We were pushing Korbin.  He's a character!  He quizzed us the entire time on the Hunger Games.  Dawn was not feeling too good after we got about a mile into the race.  She said her heart rate was all out of whack and she just felt so out of shape.  We stopped and walked often.  She begged us to leave her, but we told her we were a team and we would not leave her.  I'm glad we didn't because when we finished the race I found out another runner that I know had fallen out and was taken to the hospital.  I later learned he had a heat stroke.  He's a great runner too.  Just makes you more aware of what the heat can do to you no matter what shape you are in.  I'm glad he's doing much better now.  Several of my friends running saw the whole thing and we were all shaken by the event.  I wasn't even running fast.  Heck we mostly walked and I was soaking wet.  The humidity was so bad it was hard to breath.  Gotta LOVE south Mississippi. :>) 

I love this picture of one of the other teams.  Brodie looks like he's enjoying being pushed.  BTW the guy on the right not pushing is the guy that ran 50 miles the other week to raise money for the ARC kids! 

Here's a picture of me and Dawn with Korbin.  When we approached the finish line he wanted to get out and run across the finish line.  It's was amazing watching him!  That smile was so BIG.  When we found his mom after crossing, he wanted to know immediately if you saw him run across. :>)  

I love the medals that they make for us!  

So that's a wrap for now.  I've got many more races coming up.  It's RACE SEASON. :>)  This weekend I'll be on the coast for Duathlon.  I hate I'm going to miss the MS50 race this weekend.   I didn't realize they were the same date.  I wanted to do the Quad Burner series again this year especially since they added a sprint TRI in the mix.   So I'll miss the MS50 and be at the QB Duathlon their 2nd race of the series.  

IM training going well.  I'm taking it one day at a time.  Someone asked me last week if I was excited.  I really didn't know how to answer at first.....  I am, but I'm also holding back I think because I don't want to get overly excited since last year I was and then it didn't happen.  That's probably crazy, but it's how I feel.  I'm also missing big group runs badly.  Seems I'm always training alone.  Which I do like my alone time, but here lately it's just been so lonely.  Everyone is doing their own thing or not running much at all it seems.  I know life can be crazy busy and we must all adapt to the new.... I just don't like it sometimes. LOL  

I tell myself every day to just keeping taking it one day at a time and if God's plan is for me to be at the finish line I eventually end up crossing that IM finish line and it will all be worth it. :>)  

Happy training to you!

D

PBP 20 for 20 & Freedom Rider 50 (Jim Coll)

This weekend I got to participate in something wonderful.  I just had an hour run on tap for Sunday and found out that the PBP (Pine Belt Pacers) were having a 20 for 20 to celebrate their 20 years and Jim Coll was going to run 50 miles as part of a fundraiser for the ARC.  So I decided what better way to get my run in than to join them.  Plus I LOVE the ARC.  It's a wonderful organization that does such much for kids & adults with disabilities.  AND not to mention I thought it was just awesome what Jim was going to do.  You know me..... I have a sweet spot for raising money. :>)  

Here's the link to WDAM's news feature:

WDAM - Pine Belt Pacers Celebrate 20 years...

And Here is Jim's story..... He's a pretty cool guy:

This is my completely unofficial personal pursuit to run 50 miles on Feb. 10, benefitting the really awesome people of the ARC. Join me for all 50, and I'll donate $50 in your honor to the ARC. All contributions of assistance, financial, training or course support, are appreciated.

I'm embarking on this journey for a couple of reasons.

1. 2019 marks the 10th anniversary since James Daniel and I completed Ironman Louisville. Since then, I’ve struggled to find the right goal that would physically and mentally test me to the point that the test contributes to my personal development the way training and participating in an Ironman or qualifying for the Boston Marathon does. My physical and mental conditioning is not where it was 10 or 15 years ago, and I’ve been seeking the inspiration and motivation that will recover some of what I’ve lost over time.

2. In recent years, one thing has given my running a strong purpose—the ARC Freedom Riders. If you’ve ever seen Terri Clark, Jason Byrd and others post photos of these races, you get some sense of how meaningful it is not only for our ARC teammates, but for those of us who share our ability to run with them. This year, the ARC, including our Freedom Rider teammates, would greatly benefit from financial support as well.

So here’s where I’m going with all this. On Sunday, Feb. 10, I plan to run 50 miles, beginning and ending in downtown Hattiesburg. I’ll also donate $50 to the ARC in honor of any Pine Belt Pacer who wants to join me for the full run. My goals are very straightforward—to test myself in a new way (I’ve not previously run an ultramarathon) and to raise money for a good cause.

Isn't he amazing!  I'm always inspired by people who step up to help others.  :>) He started out with a goal of $2,500 and yesterday after he finished the 50 miles, I heard the total was up to $7,500.  Just goes to show that one person can make a difference.  Sometimes it takes a small spark to ignite a fire. :>)   

So now on to the run for me....  Well, it was a HOT one when we started with the sun out and temperature in the mid 60s.  I was pouring sweat by mile 3.  I thought for some reason that the whole 20K was going to be a straight shot on the flat trace.  They took us on a bus from the finish line, which was the Thirsty Hippo downtown Hattiesburg, to Clyde station on the trace.   However, it was not all FLAT!... After 3 miles we turned off to a side road and ran a couple of hills.  Geez... I wasn't planning that for my easy Sunday run.. hee hee...  and did I mention it was HOT!  I was doing pretty good with a pace of around 9:20 before the hills....but was getting very hot.  Once I hit the hills my pace slowed and I even removed my hat because I felt like so much heat was around the top of my head.  I was soaking wet and so glad I brought my base salt.  We did close to 2 miles off the trace and then we were back and headed straight down to downtown Hattiesburg.  I was so glad the clouds finally covered the sun and the wind begin to pick up.  At least it seemed to cool things off somewhat.  By now the pack was all separated.  The really fast people were gone,the few average people like me were in the middle and then there were some slower peeps.  Jim had started his 50 miles at 6am and we had all hoped he would catch up with us when we started and we would be able to run to the finish with him, but that didn't happen.  In hindsight we should have started around 3pm and not 2pm so some of us could have ran with him.  He did have a old college buddy that actually came from Texas I believe to run the whole 50 with him!  Talk about a good friend.  I don't think any of mine would want to run 50 miles with me. LOL  Heck, I don't even want to run 50 miles!  The 50K (31 miles) was enough for me. :>)  

I was glad to finally reach the finish line.  I could barely believe that just a few weeks ago I did a half marathon (13.1 miles) in a much faster time than the 20K (2.4 miles) for this run.  I think the heat and it being in the afternoon was not a good combination for me.  However, I did get grandmasters.  Guess it's good to be older and not many people were racing. Hee Hee.    For me it wasn't a race.  I was there to run for the ARC.   I don't get to do much with the PBP group due to living in another city.  They do weekly runs during the week, but the time isn't convenient for me or the driving to get there.  Maybe one day if I move to Hattiesburg. 

Here's a few pictures:

Crazy Nestor taking pictures of everyone before the race. 

Loading the bus to head to the start line. 

My grandmaster award.... it's a picture frame made by an adult ARC student.  Love it! 

Jim when he finished his 50 miles.  This little boy had been waiting on him and was so excited.  We were all excited.  It was awesome watching him cross that finish line! 

Oh and did I say my day started with going to see the grand girls? 

We took them out to lunch and then Gary went back home with them to play while I went to run.  He said he had a fabulous time with the girls.  I'm so glad he's doing more and more of this.  It's hard for him to go to Drew's house.  He says he keeps thinking why isn't Drew there.  But it's much better for him when he has a great day with the girls.  He said they played baby dolls and all kinds of stuff.   And as you can see in the picture, he got them an ice cream cake.  LOL   Things will never be easy without Drew, but we are all finding our new "norm" as time passes.  Your girls are wonderful, Drew.  I know you'd be so proud! We miss you! 

D

P.S.  Ironman training going full force.  I had 2,500 yards on tap this am for my swim and really didn't want to do it when I got up.  I was pretty tired from my long bike on Saturday followed by long run on Sunday, but I got in and got it done and felt good when it was over.  :>)  September will be here before we know it!  I also had a chance to talk to a runner yesterday that has done Chattanooga Ironman and a couple other ironman races.  She took my number and said she'd let me know when she was riding.  Riding is one of the toughest things to me when training when you get to those really long bike rides... 65+....   time seems to go by faster when you ride with someone rather than alone.  I hope to maybe catch Susan on a few rides.  :>) 

Louisiana Half Marathon 1-20-19 (half marathon #35)

Check out that start line.  Do you notice DES?? She ran the half marathon.  I wished I had got to see her but they said she was at the Expo on Friday and we didn't make it there till Saturday and I didn't hang around after I finished the race on Sunday to try to see if she was at the after party waiting on awards.  It was too COLD! I hear they have an awesome party afterwards with a band and all.  I just couldn't stand out there freezing.  I went to the room and took a very hot shower and waited on my friends to finish the full. 

My husband was supposed to go with me to this race.  The course ran through LSU's campus.  He's a big fan and originally said he wanted to go see the campus, but a few days before the race he told me it was supposed to rain and be cold so he didn't want to go.  I think he just wanted to be home to watch the football playoff games on Sunday if you ask me. LOL   Anyway, I was very fortunate to have a couple of running friends that were also doing the race and they had already told me if I wanted to share a room with them I could.  I had a great girls weekend rooming with Penny & Michelle.  Candy was supposed to be with us also, but her granddaughter got sick and was admitted to the hospital so she stayed with family to help out.  We missed her!  

  We meet up with Ronnie & Be on Saturday around lunch time.  We drove through horrible rain to get to Louisiana.  I was so glad it cleared up as we got into town, but then the cold wind kicked in.  :(

Here we are at the expo.

Ronnie, Be, Michelle, Me & Penny (yes, I have on flip flops...it was humid and hot when I left my house that morning.)

As we were leaving the expo, Kathy was arriving so we stopped to get one more picture. :>) 

Ronnie, Be, Kathy, Me, Penny & Michelle 

Forecast for Sunday was calling for temps in the 30s with 10-12 mph winds and no sun until after lunch or close to lunch time.  GEEZ  So I dressed warm to run.  First time I've ran in a long sleeve the whole race and kept on my gloves the whole race!  I took my gloves off one time and my fingers got so cold they were hurting so I was glad I had not thrown them away and put them in my pockets.  I put them back on and they never came off again!  

Kathy and I started together up by the 4 hour and 2 hour pacer.  She wanted to do a sub 4 hour marathon and I wanted to come close to a 2 hour half.  I haven't done that in awhile and just really wanted to see if I could do it again.  The first half was good.  I felt strong.  It was cold and there was wind, but it wasn't a headwind.  However, as soon as we turned to come back in we hit a headwind so strong around the lake it almost blew me over one time!  Kathy never wavered and kept her pace.  She amazes me.  The distance begin to grew between us.  I kept praying for her to continue and be strong because it was all I could do to keep going against the wind. She finished in 4:03!  What an incredible time.  I'm so proud of her.  She's worked hard and it's paying off.  I know she'll get that BQ soon.  

 

I finished with a time of 2:08.  Not a PR for me, but I was very  happy with it.  It's been awhile since I ran a half under around 2:20.  You can tell on my time that the first half I stayed right at the 9:17 pace, however the last half I went to a 10:17 so I ended up averaging 9:49 over all.  I'm pleased with a pace under 10 minutes.  AND the best part was I had no stomach issues this race!! not one bathroom stop!  YIPPIE. 

 

The roads weren't that great.  Kind of reminded me of New Orleans.  You really had to watch where your feet were going to not hit a bump and trip.  I kept telling myself to make sure I was picking up my feet. 

I was so cold when I finished and my fingers hurt so bad.  I couldn't even open my bottle of water I was handed.  I had to ask the guy to open it for me.  GEEZ ... Not sure I want to do this race again. We heard from several people that it is always a very  COLD race.  I don't mind the cold so much ... it was really the WIND that I hated.  :>) If there had been no wind, it would have been good running weather.  

 So glad to be done!  and I wished I had kept my jacket on most of the race.  

Our Medals... they had a back to back challenge so the medal has a point to attach to another medal... but we also learned that it would open a beer bottle. :>) 

I love the shirt.  It's that real soft blend material.  

Well, that's a wrap on the Louisiana half marathon.  I am very glad I had changed to the half instead of the full after St. Jude Marathon.  I would have been miserable in that cold wind doing 26.2 miles. :>)  

So what's on your agenda?  Mine?  More Run, Swim & Bike. :>)  

Found this cool medal hanger at the expo.  Had to have it since it's the female version.  

Have a great day! 

D

It's only the 7th of the new year and I've done 2 races..... Steam Whistle 12K & QB Resulotion 5K Run with Polar Plunge

"Every run presents a new adventure, full of great gifts.  We don't have to 'win' to receive them - but we do have to get out the door."  - Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon Champion and Runners World writer 

They say start the new year off by running.... well that's exactly what I did.  I started with a 12K on January 1st.  I love the Steam Whistle race.  It's local and so many friends normally do the race.  Plus it doesn't start till 9am! stay up a little late on New Years eve, you can still make the race. :>)  

You have the option... you can either run the 12K (7.4 miles), or you can walk the 6K (3.7 miles).  And they have blackeyed peas, cornbread and greens after the race.  However, I was going back home to cook for my family so I didn't stay and eat.  I wish I had taken a few pictures with my friends before I rushed so to make it back home to cook.  This is the only picture I took... a selfie afterwards... ha  

I had a pretty good race.  I felt great except the dang bathroom hit me half way into the run!  I've got to figure out what is causing this.  It happens every time I try to run hard on races over 3 miles.  I can go run slow and easy and it won't happen.  I have not changed anything in my diet or any fuel I'm taking during my runs.  Someone told me that some runners have big issues with their stomach when they run hard due to all the bouncing of the intestines.  Maybe that's it... who knows but it's so aggravating.  My pace per mile was going really good then I had to stop and walk off and on to avoid a major accident due to my stomach.  Here is my pace per mile.  

Overall I was pleased with my run and guess what.... no foot issues!! I'm praising God for that big time!!! 

NEXT... Resolution Run 5K & Polar Plunge - Quad Burner Series first race of the series...

I skipped the series last year because some of the dates interfered with other things I was doing, but hoped to get back to it this year.  I'm glad so far I think I'll be able to do all 5 races this year.  The races are different.  Sometimes it's a TRI, some times a duathlon, and sometimes just a road race like this one.  That's what I like.... they mix it up. :>)  And the medals usually are so neat and if you get all of them they typically form something bigger.  

I wasn't sure if I would actually do the polar plunge or not.  I signed up, but was going to wait too see how many actually did it.  Well..... I think EVERYONE did it. LOL  So I joined as well.  Can't miss all the fun.... hee hee  

I felt really good running which kind of surprised me because the day before I did a 10 mile long run.  I thought my legs may feel tired, but they didn't.  It was no PR on the 5K, but I had a really good time.  I was thrilled.... and no foot issues... PRAISE GOD>  

I got 2nd place in my age group.  Yippie...   As Jennifer and us talked about ... we use to think when we got older we would smoke people....but the dang 40, 50+ women are FAST. :>)  HOWEVER, Jennifer is still smoking it! She had a pace of 7:35 per mile!  She always amazes me and I'm so glad she's signed up to do the full ironman also! 

I did get more pictures at this race.  YIPPIE

Us girls after the 5K ... 

Me and Robin... Go team TOA! She's the sweetest.  She is from the coast area.  

Our medal for the 5K and my mimosa :>) 

Then we did the polar plunge!  

We are in the background of these pictures.. 

The two girls in the front of the picture I meet at the race.  Robin introduced them to me... Nicole and Sno... They were so much FUN. 

Gotta love the Swamp Donkey's .. blue plungers... They crack me up!  They are always dressed so cute for the races.  

So I survived.  It actually wasn't bad at all.  And as Dr. Kat said... it really wasn't a real polar plunge since it turned out to be 61 degrees and sunny. LOL  

My loot from the race.... and my tile I got for my 2nd place finish in the 5K in the 51-55 age group.

So that's a wrap for now.  I have the Louisiana half marathon coming up later this month.  I originally signed up for the full, but backed down to the half after the St. Jude Marathon to give my foot more time to heal.  I don't want to stress it with too many long miles right now and with it not hurting on these shorter runs, I'm very happy. :>)  

Today's devotion was good...... You know Jesus made the planets and shaped the stars, yet he prayed.  He is the Lord of the angels, yet he prayed.  He set a compelling prayer example for us.  We should take everything to him in prayer. 

"If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22

I'm praying for a full recovery from my bike wreck and for no issues with  my foot this year.  The ironman training is underway! 

MUAH, 

D