a fork in the road

I ran three miles today...all of it with my pup, which is his long run now. But I have a dilemma, I love running, always have. But not sure I like racing!! The Turkey Trot was brutal...felt like the last 6 miles of the marathon. I just dont know that I want that -- I like going slow, going long...at the pace where I enjoy the scenery. My pal, Coach Fred, doesnt even know what sites he passes when he races. Do I really want to miss the "Village People" in boystown or the bikini-clad firemen, the dragon in Chinatown, the cemetaries in New Orleans...the answer right now is NO! I looove smelling the roses...life is too damn short--so, for now, slow n steady, steady n slow, that's the way I want to go! goturtlego

5-mile Turkey Run

Wow....you might say this is the first race I raced!! I have been just trying to finish smoothly, with no injuries, but my girlfriend, Anne, who has run 13 Marathons said, "Enough is enough! This is your year!" So she ran beside me and with a zero degree wind chill, hills and wind in our faces, she encouraged me thruout the 5 miles....and, oh man, before I knew it, I crossed the finish line at 52:04!!! No walking, no stopping for water...just good old-fashioned racing!! Life is good.

So...I'm gonna dig in, try hard to lose these last 10-15 lbs....and kick butt this coming year!! GOLORAGO!!

Pulling it all together.....

31 miles of running last week. Someone in my running group told me that I'm doing too much, definitely going to hurt myself. I just don't know what's right or wrong--trying to listen to my body. I still havent started any speed or tempo work..just not sure I'm ready for it.

I'm going forward with keeping 30+ miles a week and I've added a spinning class once already this week! I didnt do all the tensions the teacher recommended, but I made it thru the whole class!! Tho, I must admit, I was a smidge sore the next couple of days. I'm going to try to do two spinning classes a week, along with two strength classes.

On the days I was sore I wasnt sure I should still do my runs....Coach Fred said that I should take my pulse before I get out of bed and if it was WNL (medical term for within normal limits) then I could head out. It was 52 both days after the spin......so off I went! Gosh, I'm loving this...am I crazy?????

Where do I go from here????

It's confusing. How to continue after my first marathon....I had great support while training for Chgo Marathon...Chgo offers a terrific 18-week program where I met a wonderful group of people every Sat as we trudged along towards this exciting goal.

Well now our goal has been met---so now what??? They've left me flat and dry!! I joined the running group I've been training with, but we have no schedule to follow...pick your own long run and see who will run with you on Sat morns (tho there's plenty of people to run with) So, I planned to do another marathon (Tampa Marathon end of Feb) using Hal Higdons Intermediate I training, but my friend, Coach Fred, said I shouldnt go all the way back to the beginning since I already have the mileage built up. So on the long run this past week I did 8 miles instead of 6--and I got blasted!! At the bagel place we go to after our long runs, my pace leader for my training program said I'll regret doing that as the weeks add up...that I need the step-down weeks to prepare my body for the real long runs to come.

Total confusion.....who in G-d's name do I listen to now??? I even compared HH Int I program with NYC Marathon plan...and what a difference!! So many different plans to chose from with totally different setups!! What's a new marathoner to do???????

Turquoise Daze

I run early in the morning, not many runners/walkers/bikers are out. So I get to recognize the regulars. I have "names" for them....shirtless guy, longblond pony, snobwhodoesntsayhi, olderguywithearring, friendlygalwithchoclab...well a "new" runner passed me today...."turquoisetightsman". The Turquoise grabbed me.....the color of my first car. Datsun B210 hatchback. What a great car...had to learn the stick in an afternoon cuz I wanted that car so badly. I was 21....paid for it myself. After a year, my then-husband had me sell it and buy a "grownup" car. An oldsmobile. yeeeeeeech!! Well....I've paid my dues.....back to fun again.....I drive a Jeep Wrangler!! golorago

Marathon Pics

Coach Fred--IronMan X6!!!

Start of Chgo Marathon '05 

Altzheimer's Run

5 am--getting dressed to do my 5 mile run...temp 40--this weather changing daily is messing me up. In the summer (or rather until it goes under 55) all I need is a running bra and shorts. I never fit in with the "recommended" clothing on the Runner's World website. So, of course, I overdressed. Overdressed AND forgot my glide!!! I will regret that the next few days for sure!!

My dog ran my 2 mile warmup with me. I love having him along, but does he have to smell every bush we pass in the first 1/4 mile??? Wonder if the vet could disconnect that nerve?? ok--ok--dont sic the animal rights people--it was a split second thought! Luckily, I live right across from my running path, so I drop him in the door and finish up on my own. I can even hit the toilet if need be!!! Do I have a great life or what????!!!!!

Had oatmeal and a banana for breakfast. I can start the day off just great with eating...even into lunch. But by 3pm--WATCH OUT!! All those evil Lora's come out and tempt me with bad things. I see them dancing around--chocolate chips, hershey bars (no peanuts please), ice cream with rainbow sprinkles (did you know that around the country the Dairy Queens dont all have rainbow sprinkles??? WHat's up with that?? How do you spell FRANCHISE???) Anyway...as I sit here writing this I am soooo trying to ignore those cravings...just politely typing and sipping my coffee.. I'm a good girl..........for the moment.